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 Replies: 7 / Views: 1,162 |
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Valued Member
United States
79 Posts |
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Rest in Peace
United States
2684 Posts |
Alice, under sunlight, it should show its bright luster. I think this coin has been cleaned - there seems to be dirt around a few of the letters and numbers in the date; this may be shadow effects, however. But, that loss of luster bothers me and is an indication somebody dipped it in a cleaning fluid of some sort.
Otherwise, I think it's an uncirculated Mint State, but is a weak strike which is uncharacteristic of 1896 Morgans or it may be a higher Almost Uncirculated grade as indicated by the lower detail in the hair above Liberty's ear and the lightness of the Eagle's breast feathers. If it's circulated, I'd say AU-58; if Mint State, the marks on the fields on both sides, on Liberty's cheek, and on her hair bun might keep it at MS-60 or MS-61.
Fred
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Valued Member
 United States
79 Posts |
Thanks for your opinion and for looking at it Fred. The lack of luster bothered me too. In this first box of Morgans there are 24 in the plastic cases, some worn, some look new, all have luster, but there are also about 10 like this in those yellow envelopes that have a greyish tinge and little luster. The same with his halves, the ones in the envelopes lacked luster and the edges were darkened. Maybe there was to much sulfur? in the paper that made up the envelopes. They might not have been made for coins specifically. They've been sitting in the envelopes since the 50's in a safe. It's really to bad they weren't all put into the plastic holders. I have 2 more I'll put in tomorrow, one, unfortunately is a CC that was in an envelope. I really appreciate your help! Alice
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Rest in Peace
United States
2684 Posts |
Alice, you hit the nail on the head with the sulfur paper of the envelopes. Sulfur does a number on coins of most metals, especially silver. I have some very heavily toned circulated State Quarters (and nickels and dimes) which I had thrown into a cup of change which happened to have a small chunk of sulfur in it. They toned after only a few short weeks. Actually, some were turning black. Most paper in general use has sulfur (which is why old newspapers turn brown and brittle), so shouldn't be used for coins. For temporary storage of raw coins, I use non-reactive (no PVC which corrodes coins) plastic 2x2 flips especially designed for coins (Saf-T-Flips). Since I live in the middle of the Arizona desert, I do all my shopping for coin materials online. Here's just one supplier: http://www.brent-krueger.com/ . These along with coin protectors such as you have and encapsulated graded coins all fit nicely in the PCGS plastic storage boxes of which I have an inordinate supply; PCGS returns five or more graded coins in these containers for each submission. Fred |
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Valued Member
United States
79 Posts |
Hi Fred, Guess there's not much I can do to improve on the lack of luster. Just mention it when I go to list them for sale. I know that Uncle and Aunt knew not to clean them, but they probably thought the envelopes were ok to use back then. Sad, but thank goodness they packaged most of them in something good. It could be worse. I remember driving by a paper mill on the way to camp in the summer when I was a youngster. There was a mountain of yellow sulfur outside that smelled like the dickens, and we'd all have to hold our noses when we drove by. LOL That's why I guessed sulfur. Thanks again for your help. Alice
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Forum Mom
 United States
5877 Posts |
I see the breast and leg feather areas as being worn. I would grade this coin as EF40/45. I couldn't call this coin AU. Just my opinion.  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
2684 Posts |
quote:
Originally posted by Susanlynn9
I see the breast and leg feather areas as being worn. I would grade this coin as EF40/45. I couldn't call this coin AU. Just my opinion.
Well, Susan, usually the shoe is on the other foot and I'm the one to undergrade everyone else.  I wuz also just being kind to a new member. Now Alice is gonna go off and join another forum.  BTW, I agree with your assessment. Fred |
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Valued Member
United States
79 Posts |
Oh my gosh you two!! LOL Please call it as you see it! I wouldn't know the difference between a 44 and 59 LOL. I'm just trying to learn here. ( and I am) I feel a little smarter every day! That's real good at my age!! LOL Thanks for looking and responding. I'm going to put a couple more on now. You all inspire me!
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Replies: 7 / Views: 1,162 |
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Posted 03/29/2006 11:57 pm
