How Does One Grade Luster? - Coin Community Forum

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Author	Replies: 3 / Views: 1,624
dom Valued Member United States 265 Posts	Posted 01/24/2010 12:41 pm I love my morgans, but when I am looking at at raw coin from reputable dealers, I might see one graded as ms+++ or BU+++. And true there may be the usual bag marks,but a good strike, no wear, but many times i'll see a shinier appearance than the usual satiny frost that I am particularly used to seeing on a certified coin from pcgs, ngs, anacs, etc. I am talking about coins that are not toned. I am always wary of some coin that has been dipped or cleaned. Can a mint luster in a morgan vary dramatically? Any thoughts? Report this Post to the Staff

okie-colin Pillar of the Community United States 1083 Posts	Posted 01/24/2010 1:17 pm Being wary is probably a good thing. Some raw examples have been dipped, although there are millions of unslabbed Morgans that are still uncleaned and BU. Dipping destroys mint luster, often described as cartwheel - kind of the way light reflects in a circular pattern as you tilt the coin. Morgans can have a frosty appearance, be proof-like and/or exhibit cartwheel luster or toning. Look out for unnatural all over white, non-reflective toning, a sure sign of dipping. Also if you are unsure just post some pictures and we will help you decide. Edited by okie-colin 01/24/2010 4:47 pm Report this Post to the Staff
basicbob101 Pillar of the Community United States 819 Posts	Posted 01/24/2010 5:39 pm related question, not trying to pirate this thread, but can a "brown" penny be described as BU or does it have to be "Red"? Have seen both, seems to me that the "brown" uncirculated would not be BU also, such as a listing for a 1899 brown BU Indian cent.? agree with Okie above on looking for the cartwheel effect and avoiding any with flat, overall evenly spread luster Report this Post to the Staff
okie-colin Pillar of the Community United States 1083 Posts	Posted 01/24/2010 6:00 pm The definition of Brilliant is: bright, without toning or patination. Therefore, I would agree that a brown cent cannot be BU. Edited by okie-colin 01/24/2010 6:17 pm Report this Post to the Staff
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