1911 Gold Eagle

I'm entirely incompetent to make any of these judgments as I'm trying to learn grading from a book and I don't have any gold coins to study. But I'll tell what I see. Firstly, I think it's a very attractive coin. There seems to be something going on at the base of the head-dress at Miss L's neck, but I'm thinking that might be a problem with the photo. I notice light, clear details in the central feathers and the hair (I don't know if she's still called Miss Liberty when she's and Indian, so I'll just assume she is.) The word LIBERTY looks less than spectacular to me - the "E" looks worn, the whole word seems like an afterthought - this is the weakest aspect of the obverse to me and it's slightly distracting. I'm not crazy about the bust - even in photos I've seen of very fine specimens, the bust looks sort of - I don't know - vague; like maybe she's not quite sure she made the right decision to be on the coin. It reminds me of the Peace dollar which also looks as though Miss L is not terribly enthusiastic. I like the head-dress though. (Because my reaction to the design is too subjective, if I were competent to grade it I would discount it.) It's got lots of little marks over the entire field and there appears to be a pretty big mark on the cheek, but all that doesn't seem to interrupt this coin's lustrous surface (is this "orange peel"?). The reverse looks great, which is, I understand, not uncommon. It has very good eye appeal to me, for what it's worth, I think its a very attractive coin of its type. It looks like it has nice luster, rims, strong stars, some delicate feather details, no weakness in the date or stars, and a very nice reverse. So whatever that all adds up to, that's my grade.

I do not want to make any comment before consulting my friend
The color is off and the battering looks weird
Also one should never scan or photograph a head from below
To show my problem I post one of my coins

Right of I disagree there is a difference between polished and dipped
The coin was probably acid dipped but technically that is totally different from cleaning
Again I do not know the pricing difference but cleaning is mechanical whilst dipping is chemical
So I am curious what my mentor is going to say about this
I just want to add he does not rate Anacs very high

Ageka, please ask your friend what he does not like about ANACS. I find them to be conservative and consistent in their grading. I am always curious what drives a person to prefer one TPGS over another. ANACS is also the least expensive! Mike

Ageka, that is a fascinating article. I don't think I have ever seen grading companies tested in that manner. It is an eye opener! Thanks, Mike

My worst napoleon ( laurated and emperor of a Republic )1808
Pitty I only see him a few times a year in the bankvault


http://www.coincommunity.com/forum/...101122114_20 FF Nap Laur Rep 1808 K.jpg