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 Replies: 13 / Views: 2,060 |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
899 Posts |
Just two questions...Grade and Is this possiblity a Proof coin ? Reasons I ask is: From what I understand about grading this coin: "When grading this design, the high points on the obverse are Liberty's knee, hair and breast. On the reverse, the areas to first show wear are the eagle's neck, claws and the tops of the wings." On the liberty side there is very little wear in these areas and on the eagle side there is virtually no wear on the high points.... From what I have read on 1858 proofs: "The 1858 Proof Quarter Dollars are possibly the most poorly made proofs from all proof issues from that time period. In his Complete Encyclopedia Walter Breen has recorded " that most proofs show multiple lint marks ", incuse impressions on the proofs as the result of some one failing to clean the dies properly before starting the press run. It is also noted that the upper reverse field has a moderate lamination defect on some proofs." This coin has several incuse marks that do not appear to have been post mint (there are scratches and a couple of marks that are post mint). Some of these incuse marks are different shapes (angles) and are mainly on the obverse side. On the reverse side just above the eagles beak appears to be a slight delamination. The designs are very well defined with sharp images and both sides show a hint of toning around the rim edges... There is a neat Error on the left side of the coin - A raised ridge on the rim...Misaligned Dies ? Thoughts and opinions both why and why not are appreciated..... Thanks         |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4337 Posts |
i just want to say its a beautiful looking coin...proof or not, jealous = me
nice one
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1411 Posts |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
In all honesty, I don't see a strike of Proof quality with this coin. It's especially noticeable in the stars, and on the arrow fletches just below the shield on the reverse. Those features, and the hair, are far sharper on Proof strikes, even if these are considered "poor" from a Proof standpoint.
Go have a look in Heritage Auctions' archives to see what I mean.
OK, that was the bad news. The good news is, I see this thing grading around MS63, making it a $500 coin.
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Pillar of the Community
 Canada
899 Posts |
Thanks guys....The beauty of these forums is that there never is any bad news...it is what it is...Appreciate the comments...
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
Nice coin!
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8904 Posts |
This is a beautiful coin!!  I do, however, agree with SsuperDdave. Judging just from from the details noted in the obverse stars, the strike is, IMO, a business strike. A proof strike would have much more distinctive detail on these stars. That being said, this seems to be an incredibly well-struck business strike. Excellent details in the obverse face and shield and the reverse is VERY clear and detailed (with a slight exception of the arrow fletchings noted by SsuperDdave). Grade= 3 droolies!!  |
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Valued Member
United States
168 Posts |
That is a business strike coin that appears to have light circulation marks that would make it AU58. It also has been dipped and the mark in the field is most likely a small scratch instead of a lint mark, which is typically sharper. Many folks would still pay well for this coin, but it is not for everyone.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3234 Posts |
Not a Proof. Doesn't have the squared off device details.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
899 Posts |
Thanks guys, a proof it is not as concurred...
Tom B.... you said it has been dipped which is a good point and brings a question. From the sellers pictures I was unable to tell it had been dipped...What does one look for to recognize if a coin is dipped or not?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4337 Posts |
when I look at the picture of it on the scale, the mirrors look dull and uninviting...that could be it among other things that he sees...
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
What does one look for to recognize if a coin is dipped or not? I think what Tom B is seeing - not that I wish to put words in his mouth - is the color and propagation of the toning, particularly on the obverse. This is best seen in the obverse crescent detail pic, but notable also on the reverse. It doesn't really fit known toning propagation patterns. If the coin had gradually toned over the last 155 years, one would think that the color nearest the obverse device would be much darker than it shows in the image. And for the obverse to be that dark near the rim, one would expect the reverse to have a similar look. Further, one would expect more of the whole coin to be involved, with much less field space retaining original non-toned appearance. Taken together, it all indicates that toning hasn't been happening for long with this coin. The implication is that it's been dipped in the last few years, and the toning we see has happened since. Another possibility is that the coin was relatively well-protected in an album for most of its' life, and has since been removed and undergone greater exposure to the atmosphere. But it's quite easy to understand why its' appearance would raise doubt with someone as experienced as Tom. Who, as per his usual habit, has me thinking about this one. |
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Valued Member
United States
168 Posts |
In general, a 155-year old silver coin with light circulation should have some sort of color, skin or patina on it. If it is fairly white with no real evidence of a skin then it has likely been dipped. While this might not be a 100% accurate method, it is a darn good rule of thumb.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
899 Posts |
I understand exactly what you mean....thanks...  In a couple of months I'm going to send in this coin for grading....it will be interesting to see the outcome.. |
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Replies: 13 / Views: 2,060 |
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Posted 12/21/2012 1:58 pm
