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 Replies: 17 / Views: 2,482 |
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
Front appears quite glassy under light, reverse a bit on the leaves but not as much. It's slightly granular but not really corroded. A few nicks. It's an 1807 comet tail variety, in F-12. I paid $98.
My main question is whether this indicates polishing. I'm assuming so, but I want to make sure in case it might be something specific to the die variety. I will post pictures later, but they might not capture the 'glassy' look very well. Also, would you say $98 was at least a break even deal? I don't know much about these, and I'll gladly keep it if it's not polished, but I do have 3 days to return it. It doesn't look THAT bad so the polishing probably wasn't heavy, if that's the case. But it does look somewhat unnatural compared to most copper coins I've seen.
Thanks for the help, guys. Edited by coinguybrian
10/17/2008 4:14 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
a glossy look could be from a coating some people used to put on those things but I be derned if I can think of the name of it (lamination is stuck in my mind but thats not what I am thinking of) it some form of polishing liquid and can be removed if done properly but a picture would be needed to be sure if this is what you are describing
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Pillar of the Community
Poland
3201 Posts |
Sometimes copper (and others, like zinc) coins were lacquered.. if it's the correct term.
Edited by DL20K
10/17/2008 5:00 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
there ya go that was what I was trying to say but couldn't think of what it was called
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
possibly lacquered or oiled, old time "preservation" techniques that are probably not the best things for a coin over time.
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Rest in Peace
 United States
5375 Posts |
Does this severely damage the value? I'd like to hear more about it. And I really WOULD rather have it without the gloss : /
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Moderator
 United States
16677 Posts |
Sometimes it is olive oil which gives it that deeper "detail" look.  swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1931 Posts |
how exactly do you polish a coin. Does that mean it's been dipped or like silver polish like someone would use on old silver dishes or whatever? When I hear polished I think rubbing until it's clean but wouldn't that remove the details?
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Moderator
United States
16677 Posts |
Some folks use silver polish and a rag or a rag intended for silver polishing and vigorously rub to achieve that almost mirrored polished look. It literally destroys the value of the piece with every rub. It does create wear ultimately removing some details. In this case of copper, we won't know till we see pic.
swcoin.ecrater.com
Edited by vermontensium
10/17/2008 7:27 pm
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New Member
United States
23 Posts |
If it is lacquer or some other surface contaminant, it may be possible to remove it with Xylene and not harm the original patina. If it has been mechanically polished (whizzed), not much can be done short of a complete recoloring. An image should show what you are referring to, so we'll wait and see... If it is an S-271 in F-12 and undamaged, you got a bargain.
CCs
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
Thanks for all your help, everyone. It doesn't look harshly whizzed at all, just glazed. It's probably laquer then, but I'll take pictures as soon as I get up tomorrow. I'm inexperienced with removing it so I'll need some help.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
If has the F-12 detail and just a glossy look I'd be willing to pay the $98 without even seeing it. So if you decide you don't want it. . .
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Pillar of the Community
United States
830 Posts |
Quote:
If has the F-12 detail and just a glossy look I'd be willing to pay the $98 without even seeing it. So if you decide you don't want it. . .
I quite agree. I paid that much for a Comet Variety in G-4 and was happy with the price. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
 The obverse photo didn't capture the detail very well, probably because of whatever is on it. It's also appears faintly granular under the gloss. |
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New Member
United States
23 Posts |
It is difficult to tell from these images, but chances are that you can use a safe solvent (Xylene) to remove the glossy coating and reveal a more attractive original matte finish. The color is very attractive and I really like the coin. VG or Fine, you still got a great deal....
CCs
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
I'll try to take better pictures, it's way better than VG in hand, but do you have any links on how to use xylene? Where can you get it?
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Replies: 17 / Views: 2,482 |
Posted 10/17/2008 4:59 pm
