Dipped Or Original Skin? 1833 Capped Bust

NGC is very good about purpling cleaned coins, especially since this was a recent grading.

PCGS has had a lot of backlash against cleaned Bust Halves, but NGC hasn't had that problem.

From the photos I see no indication of cleaning, although a careful light dip isn't out of the question.

personally I would say dipped at some point and re toned.. toning is way too even..

I noticed a darker halo around front of neck and face. I see a little darker skin between date and bottom of bust. I can see how the details merit a AU 55 but no mint luster either which I find odd unless one can't expect luster on such and old coin. Perhaps after all those years the luster just fades away? The reverse is very solid even special

Let's hear from others!

MikeF - Have you seen in person yet?

ANY luster left?

From the photos, this CBH has been dipped. If NO luster remains, has been dipped more than once.

No, I have not. Should arrive in 14 days at the most.

Dipped/cleaned and entirely stripped of luster. It may have AU 55 sharpness, but the net grade would be in the lower XF range.

Looks dipped and retoned to me.

the pics of the coin on HA are much more revealing than these are. I don't think the coin has been cleaned save a water and rag wash 100 plus years ago.

Why this coin Mike? Are you type collecting or going after a specific series? I only ask because this issue has 326 graded at AU55 by PCGS alone and I am sure NGC has a few hundred themselves at AU55. There are probably much better examples for the money but you'll need time and patience in order to get that prime eye appeal.

I am no expert, believe me. I try to learn daily when it comes to Numismatics but one thing I have learned to an expert level over the years is patience. This is the sole piece of advice that has been given time and time again to me by those with decades in Numismatics. I raise this point to you because I believe you to be in a financial position that a lot of collectors, especially new ones, are not in. When you have money and little experience, Numismatics can trap you into buying what is not the best choice or bang for your buck. I have been there and it took me a bit of time to learn this very painful financial lesson.

Personally, and by the opinions I am seeing, this is not a coin you should have for your type example of a common date bust half especially at $353. Please take no offense, this is about learning and growing. Eye appeal is THE MOST important of almighty swords that you wield in numismatics at our level. You want the "CAC" example, not the common look, IF you can locate it and snag it. It takes all the stars being aligned and yes, you will lose and miss more than you win and hit, but you'll be happier in the long run.