| Author |
 Replies: 16 / Views: 3,645 |
|
Valued Member
United States
359 Posts |
I recently purchased the coin shown below from an online dealer, graded at MS-60. When questioned, the dealer stated that the coin was not cleaned. To me the coin looks too "clean" in hand, which may lead me to believe that it was cleaned at some point. The pictures I posted are ones that present the coin as close as it looks in hand. Opinions?   |
|
|
|
Valued Member
United States
187 Posts |
wow,beautiful coin....I'm not a grader or expert by any means,but I don't see any evidence of any type of abrasive or damaging cleaning.Maybe someone else with a better knowledge of some of the chemical processes will correct me,but it looks like a beauty to me.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
2224 Posts |
 Looks nice, tough call even though your photos are good. I've got a 93, still need the 92. Key strike and wear points in my opinion are the reverse sails. Look for good definition of the globes, sails, ship features and hair. Contact marks are very minimal and there seems to be something to the surface of the sails. Are those scratches or abrasions? |
|
Valued Member
 United States
359 Posts |
I am not sure what is on the sails. It is difficult to say, possibly something to do with not having a full strike? Whatever is there is much more apparent under these pictures than they are just looking at the coin in hand or even with a magnifier.
Certainly not a strong strike, sail lines on the middle sail are nearly complete. With this point on the reverse being opposite of the high point on the obverse (bottom curls in the hair) it is a spot that a weak strike will show up on.
Thanks for the feedback so far!
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2936 Posts |
Almost looks too pristine to not have had some help. Maybe a quick dip, but I see no evidence of other cleaning. I think it would pass muster with the TPG's. A really beautiful Columbian and I'm jealous!  |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
5854 Posts |
Beautiful coin! I agree that it may have had a quick dip but I think it would still pass as market acceptable.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
I do not see any evidence of damage to the mint bloom.
The satin finish is still there.
It may appear a little flat, but that could be due to the lighting conditions.
|
|
Valued Member
United States
315 Posts |
Looks like it may have had a dip in the past. I think a TPG might go a little higher than MS60. |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
7194 Posts |
It is an attractive Colombian half that should grade ms 63 as long as the dip does not detour opinion.
|
|
Valued Member
United States
359 Posts |
I appreciate everyone's help with this coin. I liked the look of the coin online and took a shot at it.
Thanks!
|
|
Valued Member
United States
81 Posts |
I have a '93 that's it twin! Beautiful coin IMO. It doesn't look like it was cleaned or rubbed but it may have been dipped but I doubt it. I collect the Expo tickets and coins. I have an Isabella Quarter from that Exposition that's in beautiful shape as well. I just found out that Dansco sells a Commemorative album for the Commem halves from 1893 - 1954 and have holes for the quarter and the Lafayette Dollar. methinks I'm going to pick that up next month. http://www.danscoalbumstore.com/ima...e/7094p1.jpg |
|
Valued Member
United States
315 Posts |
That would be an outstanding album! I have been wanting a "Texas" but just can't get one that is decent for under a $100.
|
|
Moderator
 United States
15469 Posts |
Welcome to the Commemorative family ngs428 ... Honestly ... it would help me in my reply if you had shared the name of the 'on-line dealer' who sold you this coin ... I say so because there a a few dealers who burned me with similar looking coins during my learning days. My suspicion is this coin has been heavily dipped ... but still a lovely MS63/64 Columbian Half that might or might not pass TPG muster. My opinion FWIW ... technical grade is MS63/64 ... all three top TPG would return as MS details 'altered surfaces'. That said ... a great coin and wonderful addition to anyones set.  David Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
|
Valued Member
United States
81 Posts |
Sure is good news about that Dansco GTALLEN! Although, that empty hole for the Lafayette half would drive me nuts though! lol I have only the half dollar commem's that I scanned and shown on my post. I am going to attempt to fill up the album at a spending point of 100. a coin. I realize that there will be exceptions but I'll pick em off one by one most certainly! That columbian pictured above is gorgeous no matter dipped or not. most I come across have all the details of the globe and sails all worn smooth and usually have deep scratches on them as well.
|
|
Valued Member
United States
81 Posts |
Lafayette dollar I meant...
|
|
Valued Member
United States
359 Posts |
nickelsearcher, last Friday I replied to your email (hopefully it did not go to your junk mail). Just wanted to make sure you got it. I look forward to your response.
|
| |
Replies: 16 / Views: 3,645 |
Posted 10/12/2011 12:09 pm
