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 Replies: 31 / Views: 5,572 |
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Pillar of the Community
  United States
3098 Posts |
Well, this story has turned into a rather disappointing tale.
Ty2020b suggested I take a close look at the hairlines on Liberty's cheek, which I did with my 10x loupe. There, under the toning, I saw two marks, one running horizontally across Liberty's cheek and the other, vertically and larger, from the hair down through the cheek, forming a cross shape where they intersected.
I also discovered that what I thought was a toning streak running from 2:00 on the obverse to Liberty's chin was, in fact, a long, thin, toned over scratch.
I didn't notice any of these when I first examined the coin and took the photos. To the naked eye and in the photos the coin looks great.
So, the coin is going to be shipped back tomorrow for a refund.
My thanks to Ty2020b for his suggestion to further examine the coin. It saved me from a costly purchase mistake. I was considering sending this one in for grading but now know it would have most likely received a "Details" grade.
I also was reminded that toning, while it can be lovely, can also hide things. I am glad to be part of the CCF community where there is always numismatic education going on. I know I need it.
Paul Bulgerin
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9796 Posts |
Good thing you didn't listen to me then. From my own mouth: Quote:
Great luster and light toning that doesn't appear to hide anything or impair the look at all.  Though on my side, it's hard to see these types of things without the coin being in hand where one can tilt it around and get views from various angles under a point source of light. I enjoy grading from photos and I think I usually do pretty darn good most of the time, but it's not the same, and too easy to get fooled, as you've just proven.  "Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013! ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector. See my want page: http://goccf.com/t/140440 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3098 Posts |
westcoin,
Don't feel too badly about this. I had the coin IN my hand and was still fooled by it.
All in all, I am pretty impressed by how well people do on the grading forums.
Paul Bulgerin
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5682 Posts |
That's a shame. It's certainly an attractive coin, but it shows the limitations of assessing a coin by photos alone. Good that you were able to notice the problems in time for a return, and good for Ty2020b for prompting you to examine it again.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5192 Posts |
For high value coins like these, perhaps it is better to stick with slabbed coins? Less of a chance of unpleasant surprises.
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Moderator
 United States
189763 Posts |
Bummer.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3098 Posts |
Well, the upside of this is that I will get my money back and can put that towards another purchase. I've been looking at proof Walking Liberty half dollars and Mercury dimes, a high grade Liberty Seated dime or a nice 1909-S Lincoln Cent. Perhaps one of these will make up for this one. Whatever I purchase, it will be slabbed. Paul Bulgerin
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Moderator
United States
189763 Posts |
Quote:
Well, the upside of this is that I will get my money back and can put that towards another purchase. Excellent!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5192 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3098 Posts |
Oh, don't think I didn't check those out last night. A guy's gotta dream.
Paul Bulgerin
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4680 Posts |
Sorry this one didn't pan out, but hopefully those funds will land you a beauty!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3098 Posts |
I have received the refund for this coin. Now to think about how to spend the money I have back.
Paul Bulgerin
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Moderator
United States
189763 Posts |
Quote:
I have received the refund for this coin. Now to think about how to spend the money I have back.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2004 Posts |
Very nice coin and I like the obverse toning. I too noticed the fine hairlines and wondered if they were from an old cleaning. perhaps someone can enlighten me. The reverse has a bit more wear and flat spots so I think I would have to grade this at the lower end of the AU scale, perhaps AU50 for the reverse and AU 55 for the obverse. Just my opinion.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1023 Posts |
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Replies: 31 / Views: 5,572 |
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Posted 04/01/2021 12:51 am
