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 Replies: 41 / Views: 5,021 |
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New Member
Canada
33 Posts |
Hello, I recently purchased this coin on ebay. Its PCGS graded XF45 but it looks like it might have been cleaned as there are lots of fine scratches on the surface. But isn't it true that PCGS would not give it a letter grade if it were cleaned? This is the first time I have purchased a coin in this price range and I am a bit confused as I am inexperienced. Here is a link to the posting. You can see pictures if you scroll down. https://www.ebay.com/itm/252727311041Thanks for the assistance. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3479 Posts |
Hi coin history! Your suspicions are correct. This coin has without a doubt been cleaned. This is NOT what an original capped bust half looks like in xf. PCGS has deemed this coin to me market acceptable.
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Pillar of the Community
7234 Posts |
Yeah, looks like it was harshly cleaned - sorry.
I really don't know how PCGS could straight grade that - look into a counterfeit slab
Edited by Mark1959
01/08/2018 12:21 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
521 Posts |
I am not an expert, but, yes, the scratches you see, called hairlines, are from improper cleaning. A coin can have seemingly similar types of lines for different reasons. When looking at the obverse of this coin, you can see the lines cover different areas of the coin. Look closely and you will see how the fields (empty areas) and the raised design, particularly Liberty, are affected by the scratches. Someone probably used some type of brush to clean the coin.
It should be noted, though, that pictures often highlight these lines and make them look worse than they do in hand. Be careful, though, because the opposite is also true and some online sellers intentionally manipulate photos to hide such problems.
The grading companies vary widely. I posted a similar comment a while ago about why these coins are not given a "details" designation. I believe that the TPGs give leeway to certain series and certain coins. The Bust Half series seems to be one of those.
Again, I am not an expert and others here will offer their more informed opinions. It is a good idea to ask about a coin before buying it (something I wish I would always do!) Many people are helpful and generally give good advice.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
Good example of an obviously cleaned coin in a problem-free holder. It happens all the time but most examples are not this egregious. Sadly it's a fact that big-name, big-dollar submitters get better results in the grading room. It would be interesting to know who submitting this piece to PCGS. If Joe Blow from Idaho submitted it then they get a no-grade 99% of the time. The $259 sales price would be high for a nice example of this date. Here's a quality piece that recently sold on Heritage for $156. https://coins.ha.com/itm/bust-half-...Lot=1x=0&y=0 |
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New Member
 Canada
33 Posts |
Thanks for your replies. And thats disappointing to hear. What is the point of depending on a thrid party if they do not tell you that the coint has been cleaned?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3479 Posts |
Quote:
What is the point of depending on a thrid party if they do not tell you that the coint has been cleaned?
It's part the market acceptable movement that has harmed the hobby. Basically key dates, and all coins dated prior to 1870 are given a lot of leniency as long as the cleaning job isn't atrocious. Like BP said, it happens all the time. That's just the way it is. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1475 Posts |
The seller has 14 days money back, so use it. Many of the members stated "buy the coin, not the slab", and this is a good example. Good luck on your next purchase and keep reading CCF to gain knowledge. Your best defense  |
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New Member
Canada
33 Posts |
Yes, I noticed that returns are accepted and I will have go that route. When my money is refunded I will need some assistance in finding a new coin. Seems like I will have to wait weeks since I have not even received the coin yet. There is a lot to learn in this hobby!
Thanks everyone for your replies.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3479 Posts |
Post all future coins that you are considering for acquisition in the grading section before you pull the trigger. We have your back, dude! |
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New Member
Canada
33 Posts |
Thanks! I didn't there was a grading section. Can anyone give me a link to it or tell me where it is?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3479 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
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Sadly it's a fact that big-name, big-dollar submitters get better results in the grading room. It would be interesting to know who submitting this piece to PCGS. If Joe Blow from Idaho submitted it then they get a no-grade 99% of the time. This is absolute nonsense and completely untrue. The only deals the big submitters gets are lower fees, quicker submission times, and special labels. They do NOT get better grades |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4469 Posts |
I have purchased coins from the ebay seller MARC. When you do receive the coin in hand, it is going to look better than photos. This ebay seller's photos often blow up small details that are not noticeable to the eye. Some seller's photos hide flaws, MARC photos shows all imperfections. The coin does look cleaned and graded market acceptable by PCGS. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
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This is absolute nonsense and completely untrue. The only deals the big submitters gets are lower fees, quicker submission times, and special labels. They do NOT get better grades Believe whatever you want. The facts are the facts and this has been proven true hundreds of times for decades now. |
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Moderator
 United States
188213 Posts |
Quote:
The facts are the facts and this has been proven true hundreds of times for decades now. [citation needed]Seriously, link some evidence. Otherwise, it is a libelous accusation. I am no TPG apologist, but facts demand evidence, not just a simple exclamation that they exist. Also, keep in mind that new members and visitors deserve something more than the internet equivalent of "because I said so." |
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Replies: 41 / Views: 5,021 |
Posted 01/08/2018 12:05 am
