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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,244 |
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Valued Member
United States
461 Posts |
I need a bit of advice on an 1858S seated liberty that I am looking at purchasing. I believe the coin grades in AU 55 at least and only because the seller, whom I've known for quite some time, had lightly cleaned it using acetone. The coin has fantastic eye appeal and I am kind of falling in love with the coin. (Bad thing). However, the asking price is $310. If assuming everything I told you about the coin is true to this point does the price seem fair? I appreciate all input please!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7840 Posts |
It all pretty much boils down to; " what does the coin mean for you"? I have paid more than fair market value for a coin that I fell in love with before, because I WANTED IT! I HAD TO HAVE IT! Go with your gut feeling on this (and every coin purchase or sale).  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
seated liberty what? half,dollar,quarter? by the price I am guessing Half, if its a Dollar or Quarter you better already have it. If a Half, I don't think its a bad deal and if I really liked the coin I would probably go for it
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Valued Member
 United States
461 Posts |
I apologize I thought I'd put that in there, half dollar.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
$310 for a true AU55 1858-S seated half ... I'll buy that!
hemisboats, there are too many variables at work here and without a decent picture of the coin, I would hesitate to make a recommendation.
Are you comfortable grading that series and recognizing a "problem-free" coin? If you can answer yes, go for it. The S-mints between 1855 and 1858 are in high demand.
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Valued Member
United States
461 Posts |
I thank you Dave! It appears the coin was cleaned with a acetone bath however, through my research and discussions on this site there is split opinion as to the effects of this on a coin's value. I am going to me with a gentleman tonight with my microscope and check it over real well. If it is worth it I will be bringing it home with me. As I've stated several times on other posts, and is the case with this gentleman, some are in a position of being forced to raise capital for goods they have already purchased in the past and now have to pay for in their future. Kind of sad in a way! (Although I do not feel bad for those who have openly abused the credit system)!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
hemisboats, Sure wish you had a first name ... my fingers are getting sore.  Acetone in and of itself is non-reactive to the metal. What is done in the process of an acetone bath may be a problem. If the coin was rubbed or "picked" in any way to remove stubborn spots, these may show. Look in the places that debris would collect ... below the nose and around the lips, serifs and loops of the numbers and letters. It you see any scratches there, so will a qualified grader. |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Not to mention, sometimes the stuff which acetone removes doesn't cover the whole coin, and the exposed area acquires a patina that the covered area doesn't. When you remove the cover with acetone, the coin starts showing an unnatural toning pattern as a result. Although acetone itself does nothing "bad" to a coin, the result could still be unacceptable.
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Valued Member
United States
461 Posts |
I was unable to purchase the coin this evening as he was unavailable but was able to take a few pictures. I'm going to try and post them. I thank you all, Neal!
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Valued Member
United States
272 Posts |
Looking forward to seeing the pictures.
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,244 |
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Posted 01/12/2010 09:15 am
