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 Replies: 14 / Views: 1,461 |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
5417 Posts |
 So I'm looking into buying this Quarter Eagle and am thinking what you guys grade it at. It's already in a slab but I want an impartial opinion first. I am also wondering if you think it is polished (It's a high grade so that could very well be mint luster but I don't have any experience with quarter eagles so I can't judge.) All opinions are appreciated.
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
I'll take a crack at this, understanding that even though your pictures are clear, they're small so grade will be an estimate only. I'm seeing a mid-AU, AU53-55. Here's the problem:
See the dark areas on the reverse? Particularly inside the A's and in the leaves on the viewer's left? Those areas are crud which the person who cleaned the coin couldn't reach. I won't pronounce this one cleaned without a doubt, but 9 out of 10 coins with that telltale have been mechanically cleaned. Furthermore, it may just be the photography but I expect a gold coin like this with a little wear to show more marks on the surface than I see here. Smoothed?
If that's a PCGS slab (can't tell but it looks like one), I expect it to say "AU Details, Cleaned" or something to that effect. It's a common issue, available in Mint State, and I wouldn't go much above melt for it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
 I think AU55 "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
 Canada
5417 Posts |
Hmm I don't think it is cleaned. The slab doesn't say so. The dealer who is selling it doesn't mention it either and I have a NGC MS65 1935 Canada Dollar with similar dark areas between the A's of Canada and P of Imperator. The coin isn't stated as cleaned. So is there a chance that this coin isn't? Now as far as buying is concerned I think, just like you that there is something fishy regarding the lack of surface marks. Now I've never heard of "smoothing" or "the process of making coins smooth" before. Can you elaborate on that?
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
If I am correct in assuming it's a PCGS slab, then you can feel reassured that the coin hasn't been cleaned - PCGS doesn't give the benefit of the doubt when there's doubt. When I say, "9 out of 10," it means there's still that 1 out of 10.  Gold, being so soft, can be mechanically "smoothed" to help hide the marks which appear on it so easily. This is usually very easy to detect if you're attentive. Remember, I qualified my statements based on the images - they're half the size necessary to even consider binding opinions. Again, if this is a PCGS slab, you can be comfortable with the opinion regarding surface originality. They've always been very conservative with surfaces, even when they were less-so with strict grading as has happened occasionally in their history. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
36688 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
5417 Posts |
Thanks Dave. Unfortunately this is not a PCGS slab:  Opinions on SEGS holders? |
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
OK, that makes this a little tougher. SEGS is reputable in the business sense - they're good, honest people who are truly dedicated to doing a good job - but they tend to overgrade and I've seen a few fails in their slabs. Their principal, Larry Briggs, is one of the all-time best with Seated coinage, an acknowledged expert. I *love* their top-readable slabs. I like this one in AU50. If you push me to a strict opinion, yeah, if they say the surfaces are original, the surfaces are original. Another TPG might disagree, but I don't think they'd miss that. Do not plan to pay a PCGS price for this coin, though; SEGS simply doesn't have that kind of respect in the marketplace. Melt is about $151 for these right now; I wouldn't go much above $200 for it. AU50 in Details grade fetches $225 on a good day in NGC or PCGS. If the price is appreciably under $200, snap it up. If not, let's await further opinion and don't forget today is a National Holiday in the US. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
SEGS is fine for authentication and usually okay with grading, they see what SuperDave and I saw rub or light wear making this coin AU and not Mint State. I would have no trouble owning this coin in that holder as long as the price is right.
"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/140440Edited by westcoin
07/05/2013 04:06 am
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
5417 Posts |
Well alright. All opinions considered, I will not be going for it. It was listed at $325. Thanks for all the help.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
36688 Posts |
$325 is a bit high for that coin right now.
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Way high. I wouldn't touch AU50 in a righteous PCGS slab at that price.
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Pillar of the Community
1751 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4337 Posts |
surfaces look less than original $325 is a pipe dream for that coin. Spend $25 for a raw original MS anywhere online or go to a local dealer and ask to see the non-former jewelry pieces with a $300 budget, you'll do very well |
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Moderator
United States
16677 Posts |
If those pictures are true in hand, I'm afraid the surfaces have been messed with.
This coin (AU53 is my opinion), should have obvious luster remaining.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Replies: 14 / Views: 1,461 |
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Posted 07/04/2013 2:57 pm
