1925 Stone Mountain 50c Commemorative. Stunning Tone/Detail. Grade.

Hmmm. I would have guessed a bit higher, but it would not be surprising as I am sure there are things we don't see that experts do. And of course those of you who have been here a while. Ok grape. Thx

So I just went to the Heritage auction site to see some AU50's samples. I think you guys are right. Save the tone which gives it nice Eye Appeal, the technical grade looks to be like those samples.

Looking at the extreme....the MS68's (which are few), I see similar toning, but only marginally different technical differences, such as a few dings on my sample. Maybe some wear here and there (friction?). But that's probably what makes the difference, and what professionals can see with tools at their disposal.

But I have concluded I will never know enough (training/time) to make an accurate expert determination. Seen coins I could not understand the high grade. And coins I could not understand the low grade.

I am just glad to have this coin @ $54 won in auction. Beautiful in hand and will be a nice addition to the collection. Wife thinks it's spectacular and said hold on to it (That's good she is interested/excited...). Yup. ok Thx.

Just throwing this out there,DO NOT DO IT.
If you have a nice eye appeal toning on a coin,does it continue toning over time into something that will lose it's current eye appeal? Can you do an acetone treatment to halt the toning where it is now? I repeat DO NOT DO IT.
John1

Hello John1. Uhhhh? Did someone suggest Acetone for this coin? Must have missed that. lol Regardless, that will not happen. I like it the way it is. My pictures I used different lighting, by switching a mixture of LED and Halogen with a intensity knob. Gives a wide range of looks. But bottom line, in hand (as usual) this coin is super nice and eye appeal galore to all I have showed it to. Again, would never consider acetone'ing (new word) this, as I see no reason. Happy to have won this bad boy. I have two other specimens that are in excellent condition. One with some toning and one straight away Silver luster. May post for comparisons. Thx for the input.

Congrats on picking up that coin. It is a nice specimen. Personally, I like it just the way it is (my opinion).

That's all that matters!

I would agree with the AU assessment expressed by others. From your images, I see wear/metal loss on the cheek and left elbow of Lee as well as on the left rear leg of his horse.

Congrats on adding a nice coin to your collection (and for getting the wife's stamp of approval ).

Apologies John1. lol I read your comment in the wrong context. I was tired (that's my excuse). You were saying IN THE FUTURE they could change tone wise, and asking if Acetone could restore some eye appeal if it tones too much, but DON'T DO IT (now or later). I gotcha. My bad. It's all good and understood.