1823 British Half Crown

Is the evidence of cleaning the dark spots in the lettering? I was wondering about that.

This coin is at least EF in the British system.
There IS wear on the highest points of the design, but not much. There is wear on the tips of the leaves of the wreath on the King's head.
The wear is masked a bit by the patina.

Sharper pictures would help to grade more accurately, but so far, AU 50-55 (Sheldon) is OK to my eye.

I would not abandon this coin just because I might declare that it may have suffered from 'old cleaning'.

It would take a very happily take a place in my VF - Unc type set of British Half Crowns, which is complete as far back as George 11. It is a better coin than my example of this type.

Thank you for the responses. I lost this auction with the coin selling for $168. I've been trying to figure out if I should be kicking myself for not bidding more, or relieved that I didn't win a problem coin.

Not a big fan of the toning on this one. I find entirely unappealing the irregular dark splotches on underlying grey.

I too am seeking one of this type, but I would hold out for a better example. I say better to pay full price on a coin that you will prize forever than a bargain on one which you won't. Patience is key!

nice one, I don't see anything that would imply it was cleaned, looks like luster under the toning. NGC would likely give it a au50 lowest, and Ef, maybe Ef+ British. Quite difficult to find examples like that ungraded as of late.

I'm see quite a bit of wear over the entire coin. The lower part by the date looks like it was smashed flat and the coin was misshaped a bit. I tend to grade low, but if mine I would give it a grade of VF-30.