1868 Shield For The 7070, And A Point About Lighting

I've filled another slot in my 7070, courtesy of Forum Uncle Mike's collection via the selling auspices of Forum Mom and Dad's ebay business. Might as well keep it in the family.

This 1868 Shield nickel appealed to me because of the die cracks, which are the general "theme" of my 7070. I'm attempting to fill the whole thing with die cracked and/or doubled coins. This coin was estimated at MS63 by the seller, and in-hand I agree with their estimate. Of course, if it is, I beat them slightly on the price.

The two sets presented for you here indicate the extreme differences that lighting can make in coin photography. The first set, under halogen light, is closer to the actual color and luster of the coin, but it's merciless with the slightest mark on the surface. The second set, under a circular fluorescent bulb, is much kinder to the surface but lessens the luster.

Keep this in mind when shopping online for coins, especially on ebay. If it weren't for the rather unique die cracks, you could think these were two different coins. If the seller is at all knowledgeable about his craft, you can bet he's going to choose whatever light is most flattering to the coin. So, what you see might not necessarily be what you get.

It should be said for the record that the selling pictures were about the same as my halogen shots. Nothing was fudged in the coin's favor, and I got precisely the coin I expected.