Bu? In Your Dreams.

The first obv photo shows luster in the protected periphery areas, particularly at GROSHERZOG and the date. If you rotated the coin in hand, you would be able to see luster around the rest of the lettering as well. The eagle motif on the rev protects a significantly larger amount of luster with fewer open fields. I suspect that Friederich's bust has fairly low relief making it appear to be more worn that it actually is. The obverse has a significant amount of circulation damage(scuffs and dings) but the amount of luster present should keep it at the AU50 level.

Shine can be difficult to differentiate from luster when looking at photos but experience is very helpful. It also helps to look at and hold as many coins as possible so you know where the luster hides and that will help you to know where to look for luster in photos. Of course, bad photography can render luster virtually invisible sometimes as well.

thanks biokemist for the explanation/education in the luster.

I, too, have my difficulties in grading. I know I cannot tell the difference very well between luster and shiny due to flash or lighting. In fact, I look at this and see 'flash' in the GROSHERZOG area. I mostly look at the pictures because so many descriptions are so subjective. But this can lead to issues with trick photography (and I'm not suggesting that in this case). Is the the key that no visible scratches or swirl marks in these areas makes it more likley to be liuster vs. cleaning?

I was going along for the ride (caved to peer pressure) with my BU definition. Sorry