1874 Newfoundland Fifty Cent Coin

Is that environmental damage or just some sort of schmutz on the obverse? The reverse looks fine. I'm thinking VF-35

That's what I thought. I would avoid rubbing it but it might benefit from a soak in some acetone though I would ask a real expert before doing so. It might actually make EF40 for some viewers. The eye is in very good shape and the rims are excellent. It's just the state of the surfaces that's hard to gauge. If that surface layer of crude and be very gently removed *without adding any hairlines so no rubbing* then I would say you've got a pretty nice coin on your hands. I'll stick with VF35 for now but that's not at all a shabby VF35.

I'm one of the viewers who sees this as a firm EF40.

VF-35 straight grade.