How Do TPGs Treat These: Looks MS Wear-Wise But...cleaned?

I'd like to see the natural colors of this coin - looks bluish gray and kind of dead here.

It probably lived in someone pocket for a while, I would save my money for a better one, if seller doesn't offer return.

What is the sell price if you don't mind me asking?

I agree with T-Bop on AU58, whether it Details or not . I probably wouldn't take a chance either without the ability to return. If the seller is describing FSB, they're probably asking a premium. The problem with this lies in the fact that this looks to be an AU example and the FSB is irrelevant given the fact the designation only applies to MS examples.

Bottom line, I wouldn't touch it unless it's dirt cheap. My 2 cents

Great discussion going here.

My immediate interest was really wondering how folks thought the TPGs would handle such a coin. I don't recall seeing one like this in a slab before, so I'm not sure. Grading standards do indicate AU requires luster; so it seems folks are making a judgement of AU-58 based on wear alone, right?. But I don't believe the TPGs consider wear alone at this grade. PCGS says: "virtually full luster" (AU-58); "considerable luster remains (AU-55); "some luster remains" (AU-53); and "bits of luster remain" (AU-50). Even "a bit of luster may still be visible in protected areas (XF-45).

So I don't know if PCGS or NGC would knock it down to XF-45 or 'details' it or what. I wasn't really thinking I'd submit a coin like this per se, but as I'm learning to improve my skills, I'm trying to generally stay away from "problem" coins...and I think most agree that a "problem" coin is any coin that will not straight grade with PCGS or NGC (right?).


Well, current price is under $10 but that's pretty irrelevant cause it's an auction.


They're not asking a premium (see above). Yes, FSB is designated only in MS by the TPGs, however collectors certainly may pay a premium for FSB below MS. At one point I asked both PCGS and NGC why they only designate "FB" at MS60 and above and never received an answer, it makes zero numismatic or logical sense to me at all. I've seen NGC holders at AU-58 with "FB" and brought this to their attention. I asked do they in fact designate "FB" below MS60 and they replied: "I have been told that we do not but a few have gone out that way but in general we do not." (pretty ridiculous answer)

If you're interested, this was one certified "FB" example I had found at AU-58:
https://www.NGCcoin.com/certlookup/1884434-015/58/


yeah, kind of my thinking too. Like I could see paying maybe XF45 greysheet ($23) or thereabouts

The toning does look a bit too consistent. And looking at the close up pic again, is that pitting along the rim?

I can see why Pacificoin think something is wrong with the coin, at first glance to me this coin has the appearance being tooled or doctored, and toning added to hide tool marks.
(More the reason not to buy coins without return privilege.)

Ok, so I've had some communication with the seller. After some back and forth he finally indicates it was a metal detector find! He said it was rinsed under water but that's all. I guess this makes sense if the ground conditions were such that just the very surface layer of metal deteriorated, and therefore the luster was lost, but it was preserved very well otherwise...being in the ground for likely a century.