1917 SLQ

I am no expert with this type of coin.

Absolutely superb coin, but the fields on both sides look very obviously rough to me. Is that OK? Perhaps an old die?

Could that be the lighting?

This coin has an unusual look. The color is odd and the luster appears very diffuse. The lack of strong luster is unexpected given the outstanding sharp strike and near-uncirculated grade. I might suspect you have a counterfeit except I closely compared the details with an example in my collection and everything matches. So, I conclude the coin is a genuine, sharply-struck full head example. I think there is just a touch of wear on the shield, Liberty's head and right knee, and the leading edge of the eagle's right wing, pointing to a details grade of AU-58.

The textured, matte-like surfaces are normal for this date. The color and lack of luster suggest the coin was dipped or otherwise chemically-processed: a classic example of what PCGS would call "altered surface". Value-wise I'd guess anywhere from $150 to $250, with a collector who really wants a strong strike maybe willing to pay more of a premium.

Anybody else have an opinion about this quarter?

The detail of this coin is ASTOUNDING!! It is so nice, I immediately thought "Fake". But I agree with Jaobler, that I now think this coin is genuine.

Unfortunately, I also agree someone has decided it needed to be cleaned.

I also agree that the "rough" texture is the coin's design and not pitting or excessive cleaning. I also would expect the shield (on the shield) to be a bit incomplete (like it is).

I'll get back to you with a price I would pay when my head stops spinning!!

Thanks for all your thoughts!

The seller has mentioned that the coin looks much better in hand and that his lighting is horrible. That may have some influence on the off color. Hopefully I will see the coin this weekend.

The seller is asking $250 for the coin.

I usually can get pretty close in grading until the AU-MS level...why is it that an MS-64 Morgan can have scratches in the fields and face and still be MS while this coin is only AU? It seems to be pretty clean except a few nicks.

Thanks again for your help

Not much point grading a fake.

, dmat!
The "In god" lettering looks too thin, the R in Liberty too long a leg.

There are enough people questioning enuf things that I'd want it certified.

Looks like a real coin that has been doctored from the photos, maybe the head was built up? This is one of the the points John Albanese and Laura Sperber were making, they see a lot of SLQ with a strange look that appear at first to be high grade, also Mercury dimes with recut and formed bands, lasered gold, etc.

If it's all goo it looks like a nice high end AU AU55 or AU58 but something about the surface finish, the arms and the head don't sit right with me.

I think that is a good idea - the knowledge base here is incredible and they will guide you on future coins.

Good call on the pass. Biggfredd may be right about the authenticity; that R does look funny on a second look. This date is pretty common and you should be able to find a lustrous, choice AU example that is already certified for what this seller is asking.