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 Replies: 13 / Views: 2,389 |
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
I found this at 3 in the morning as a buy it now for $155 and poor pictures, and went for it. Because of the low price, it seems almost 'too good to be true' so I am posting this here. A few questions: Is there any history of these coins being heavily counterfeited? Is there anything I should check for specifically to detect an altered coin? The coin appears worn down to F-15 or VF-20 at first glance, but has luster and the 'look' of a much higher (XF-45) grade coin. I recall seeing that these tend to be poorly struck at the liberty. Is that probably the case here? Here are the pictures. Yes, they are bad. Due to the poor packaging, the plastic is kind of crumpled and reflects the light in all sorts of weird ways. Once the seller says it is okay for me to take it out of the holder to photograph it and ensure genuineness, I will take it out and get better pictures. It does not appear to have any problems under the glass either, save for some ancient light rubbing near the date.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6394 Posts |
Looks like a great deal for $155, if it is the Philadelphia coin. The color looks off which could be an indication of cleaning or of poor photography. The coin appears to have at least VF-20 detail. LIBERTY is not full but that is still OK at the VF level for 20-cent pieces. I've never seen a counterfeit 1875-P (or any other 20-center, for that matter!) but I expect they exist. This one at least looks genuine.
I'm looking forward to some better images. Meanwhile, congratulations!
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Rest in Peace
 United States
5375 Posts |
It's definitely not cleaned, just my bad photography. But will a VF coin have luster remaining in the fields? I just don't usually see that. And thanks, I'm definitely looking forward to getting better pictures of this.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1415 Posts |
WHOA! Real nice pick up. Wish I could stay awake at 3 in the morning. I would say VF-20 all day (and night!) Looks okay to me, BUT  you may send it to me for a closer inspection  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
Look at the location where the MM would be. Is it messed with? I see something in the photo but can't tell what it is.
It's probably a genuine 1875-S with the MM removed to double it's value. If it's a genuine 1875-P then you got it at half price!
P.S. It's a solid VF. The reverse looks VF30.
Edited to add grade.
Edited by BH1964
07/17/2009 01:44 am
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
I don't see anything suspicious around the MM area (above the Y in 'twenty')
Better pics coming tomorrow, though.
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Valued Member
United States
183 Posts |
I'll repeat my favorite Walter Breen quote: "Authentication Recommended".  If you've got the real deal and it's not been cleaned, you're really lucky lol. Me, I wouldn't have thought about buying that on ebay. Just my 0.1 20c  Bruce Edited by Electric_Op_Ltd
07/17/2009 01:54 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4085 Posts |
It's a great buy for the price. The P mint was very low mintage. I agree with the VF grading.
These were often weakly struck, but that usually was more evident around the legends on the edges. I think the weakness in Liberty is probably wear. Since it was raised, it was the first to go. I think that might explain why you might still see traces of luster in the recessed areas on the reverse (which has less wear).
Nice coin!
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
I see luster in the fields on the obverse, too. But yeah, that's a good explanation. It looks like the design took some significant wear, but the fields are more XF-AU looking.
I will take better pictures now.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3234 Posts |
You might have struck it quite lucky with that piece. The reverse detail looks great and the obverse just might be softly struck.
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
Took a whole bunch of pictures under different light conditions:  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
4849 Posts |
WOW! Impressive buy! That looks solid XF to me.
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New Member
United States
45 Posts |
Love those oddball denoms. Congrats on a great score. I think I need to modify my sleep patterns.
I agree with the soft OB strike.
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
Thanks!
Bherring, do you still think there is something wrong with the MM area given the new pictures?
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Replies: 13 / Views: 2,389 |
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Posted 07/16/2009 3:32 pm
