1860-O Seated Quarter

I'm bouncing back and forth between AU-53 and AU-55. My initial hunch was that it has been cleaned, but I'm not sure...

What is the thought process behind thinking this is wiped down or cleaned? Those hairline scratches are just the fields being marked from some level of handling over the course of time IMO.

I say you've got a weak strike on the stars. I think its mottled over nicely around areas of the coin and I love the color. I am going say it deserved MS61. I am not sure I see the rub on the thighs or the other high points of the relief to call it an AU but what I think is just handling can be designated as enough to knock it to AU.

Its an awesome looking piece of seated New Orleans history. Great pick up.

Details are very strong, I'd go AU-55 on this one.

I'm not seeing anything that would warrant a details grade, nor is there any clear evidence of any cleaning from the photos provided.

Only the slightest rub on the high points, I believe, but that IS hard to tell from these photos as both photos are rather monochrome.

I'd give it an AU-58, no problems, and if it does make it into the MS range because I'm seeing rub where there really isn't any, I won't be a bit surprised.

This is one of those rare instances when the coin actually looks better in my photos than it does in-hand. The obverse shows definite vertical hairlines from a light cleaning and the design elements have a glossy look that suggests the coin was rubbed with a cloth. There is also a shiny scuff below AMERICA on the reverse; maybe somebody used an eraser in this area.

NGC had it right. It's a decent-looking coin but the impairment cannot be ignored. Still a good buy I think for the $98 I spent.

Awesome! I nailed one. Unfortunate about the details grade, though.

The coin sure looks natural in all these photos. Just goes to show how hard it is to buy coins using photos rather than across the counter or display case and having them in your hand.