Posted 01/03/2009 7:51 pm
I wanted to revisit this one instead of posting immediately this morning. As a third-shifter, that meant sleep first. I'm back. 
Even with a second look, I can't bring myself to call this VAM-19A Mint State given the photos supplied. Doesn't mean it isn't; just not enough info.
In favor, the ear strike looks pretty flat; if this were wear I'd expect the hair immediately above to be worn down to ear level. The talons look flat, indicative of a strike which would explain the weakness of the breast.
Against, the cheek doesn't quite look right to me. This may be lighting; I'd like to see the same shot/lighting, with the coin upside-down. There's just a little too much rub on the reverse.
This one illustrates the sheer difficulty of grading from photographs, and of getting a shot which can be graded from. It's more than just sharp focus; it's about getting the *right* light on the *right* places on the coin. In the case of Morgans, that means light and clear detail on the cheek, ear and upper hair; on the reverse that means a clear shot down the center of the coin and top edges of the wings.
Even with a second look, I can't bring myself to call this VAM-19A Mint State given the photos supplied. Doesn't mean it isn't; just not enough info.
In favor, the ear strike looks pretty flat; if this were wear I'd expect the hair immediately above to be worn down to ear level. The talons look flat, indicative of a strike which would explain the weakness of the breast.
Against, the cheek doesn't quite look right to me. This may be lighting; I'd like to see the same shot/lighting, with the coin upside-down. There's just a little too much rub on the reverse.
This one illustrates the sheer difficulty of grading from photographs, and of getting a shot which can be graded from. It's more than just sharp focus; it's about getting the *right* light on the *right* places on the coin. In the case of Morgans, that means light and clear detail on the cheek, ear and upper hair; on the reverse that means a clear shot down the center of the coin and top edges of the wings.
