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 Replies: 15 / Views: 1,342 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6394 Posts |
Hello all, I purchased this 1873 Arrows half dollar coin and have a 7-day return privilege. I'm trying to decide whether to keep it. It was represented as MS-62 but it looks more like an impaired proof to me. There is a hint of wear on Liberty's head and breast. "In God" of IGWT looks worn and the eagle's right talons are pretty flat. There are extensive fine hairlines on both sides. Still, the surfaces look quite prooflike and the overall look isn't too ugly. There is a pretty decent cameo contrast. Greysheet bid for an AU50 is $320 according to my local dealer and this coin cost $300. So, how would you all vote? Keep, or return? I'd like to hear what you think. Thanks!     |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1541 Posts |
Looks cleaned to me but I'm no expert. Let's see what others have to say.
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Valued Member
United States
429 Posts |
I agree, cleaned. But I'm still learning.
LeAnn
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1984 Posts |
Looks whizzed...I think I personally would rather wait and even look for a solid XF than an impaired AU example...I just think you could find a better coin for similar money...but I could be wrong, as I often am.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2600 Posts |
Looks cleaned and scrubbed to me. Compare the dirt and handling oil in the "D" on the reverse in united vs other letters. some are void of dirt and some have smaller amounts. The fine hair lines are tell tale of a good surface modification. If it were me, it would go back.
Jim
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3234 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2703 Posts |
I see more than hairlines. IMHO there is evidence of tooling in the fields to remove scratches, for example under the "U" in "TRUST" and most noticeably under the olive branch in the eagle's claw. See the broad vertical bands left by the tool. A beautiful coin, but a little too doctored for my taste. Probably would return it, unless the eye appeal could get me past the distractions in the worked-over fields. Also I would ask myself if I could get $300 for it on ebay if it was properly described. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1173 Posts |
It depends on what type of collector you are and what purpose the coin serves for you. I agree that it is cleaned, and rather harshly at that. I'm not sure if the talons show wear or simply a light strike, since there doesn't appear to be commensurate wear on the breast feathers, etc. It is hard to find any 125+ year old silver that hasn't been cleaned at some point...and in twenty or thirty years natural toning may hide the worst of the hairlines on this piece, as well.
A purist would send it back in a heartbeat, IMHO.
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
It doesn't do it for me. Back it goes.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
6394 Posts |
Well, it doesn't get more unanimous than that! I'll drop it in the mail tomorrow. The bad news is that I still need an Arrows, with motto half for the type set. The good news is, I get to shop for one!
Thanks everyone for your thoughtful input.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1083 Posts |
Good decision. It is a coin with a lot of eye appeal, but the obvious abrasion marks of a harsh cleaning would always be the first thing you would see if you owned it. For $300 the right one should be out there. Patience!
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Valued Member
United States
455 Posts |
This is a great thread, and a perfect example of what can be learned on this forum just by reading. When I first looked at the coin I thought it looked like a real nice piece. Then as I read on and went back to enlarge the photos, I can see the damage on it from being cleaned. Forgive me for asking a question that probably has a very obvious answer, but this is another example of a dishonest dealer overgrading a coin, isn't it? If it is, maybe Jaobler want to share the vendor's name so he can be added to my sh** list.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1984 Posts |
Not exactly. If there were no return privilege, then you might have a case, but as long as there is a fair right of return, then there's no reason to "blacklist" this particular dealer, in my opinion.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3234 Posts |
The dealers that sell cleaned coins aren't necessarily bad. These coins have to have an outlet. They'll sell. It just depends on price. Some dealers are really nonchalant about cleaned coins and move 'em like anything else. Yes, you and I, would prefer to avoid them or be really careful when dealing with them. The coins grade isn't necessarily affected by cleaning, although sticklers like me will net grade it and try to be up front. That is usually the exception among dealers though. That said, I usually stick with a pretty decent set of dealers across the country that know what I like and I can trust.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
974 Posts |
I have received coins that have been cleaned or have minor wear above what was represented and have been able to neogiate a partial refund in leiu of returning out right. I then use them for fillers or trade bait toward a really nice specimen.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6394 Posts |
The seller is I think a casual collector and ebay dealer who is not trying to be deceptive. I had previously purchased an 1878-CC quarter from him which I posted in this section. He called that coin AU-55 and I'm very pleased with it. His posted photos of this half dollar were not detailed enough to show the cleaning. I emailed him before bidding and he assured me I would have the 7-day return privilege. Since he also had good feedback, I was willing to take the chance. I told him I wanted to return the coin and he has no problem with that. No harm, no foul! Prethen is right on. Even cleaned coins have value and there is nothing wrong with offering them for sale. It would be great if every dealer described every coin accurately but I'll settle for dealers who work with me if I'm dissatisfied with a purchase. If this dealer offers another coin that looks good, I would certainly consider buying from him again. |
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Replies: 15 / Views: 1,342 |
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Posted 05/10/2007 10:39 am
