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 Replies: 6 / Views: 4,908 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
533 Posts |
After buying a couple highly cleaned coins off of ebay, I have really started to examine pics for possible signs of cleaning. I will actually bid on a heavily toned coin with more confidence then I do on nicer untoned coins, at least I know that the tarnished one hasent been cleaned recently. I came across these pics on some auctions today, I am not positive that they have been cleaned, but I figured some of our resident experts could chime in and it might make for a slightly educational post. I suspect this first coin because of the differance in the toning around all of the lettering, and edges of things when compared to the fields. Or could this just be how things have collected on it?   This second one looks like someone broke out the silver polish on it. I am skeptic of any Morgan that shines this much.   Well, what do you think? Have these been cleaned? If you see any good cleaning jobs on ebay, feel free to post the pics, I'm sure we might all learn something. Edited by MorganNoob
03/13/2008 4:17 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1083 Posts |
To be honest with you, the first coin looks more like it has been dipped to me. Notice the all over flat uniform tone with no trace of luster. The second coin appears to be BU with lots of luster left. A dipped coin won't look like that. Anyway, if the pivctures leave you in doubt, ask the seller and check his feedback. A serial cleaner never has as good a feedback score.
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
The first coin sends alarm bells off in my head, too. As for the second, it probably has been dipped (most Morgans have), but in a fashion which keeps it slab-worthy. Dipping doesn't necessarily destroy the coin - only excessive dipping.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19935 Posts |
I'm with Dave, the first coin has lost it's luster, it was probably dipped in something harsh like ammonia. The second one looks fine, unless there's some hairline scratches we can't see in the photo....but it looks like natural luster to me.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
MorganNoob, Those pictures don't inspire confidence. They are too small and poorly shot to peg my UNC-meter. If they sell at a bargain AU price I would venture a bid. If they are in the MS price range, I would look elsewhere. At least they are in focus. I love those Morgan listings with a blurry photo the size of a dime announcing "bid on this beautiful gem".  The listings with only an obverse photo really urk me, too! |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
533 Posts |
quote:
I love those Morgan listings with a blurry photo the size of a dime announcing "bid on this beautiful gem". The listings with only an obverse photo really urk me, too!
I'm not planning on bidding on these, I was just looking through the listings and noticed these, and figured I would post them and get some more learned eyes' opinions so that I know if my hesitation is warranted next time when I do see something I want to bid on. |
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Valued Member
United States
231 Posts |
The first has been cleaned; the best tell can be found in the residue around the base of some of the details such as the lettering and the wreath. The second has not been cleand and has original mint luster. This can be spotted easily in this picture because of the way the light hit the coin. That hourglass of light will be on the coin if it is original and will cartwheel around the coin as it is turned. This is not present on cleaned coins. Try it at home to see the difference. You probably won't get lucky like that with pics too often though.
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Replies: 6 / Views: 4,908 |
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Posted 03/13/2008 4:15 pm
