1855-S Seated Quarter

cameron12x · June 5, 2011 8:09AM

Thoughts on a grade?

This coin may also be a candidate for an acetone bath?

Manorcourtman · June 5, 2011 8:15AM

25, environmental damage

STONE · June 5, 2011 8:15AM

<< <i>25, environmental damage >>

Billet7 · June 5, 2011 8:28AM

30 or 35 details, I agree with environmental damage.

cameron12x · June 5, 2011 8:32AM

How would you classify the environmental damage? What type is it?

What would this net the grade to?

TomB · June 5, 2011 8:42AM

My immediate thought was also ED. It looks like it was corroded or dug.

dizzyfoxx · June 5, 2011 9:21AM

Tag it and bag it. However, not exactly an easy coin to acquire so it's cool nonetheless.

cameron12x · June 5, 2011 10:08AM

What kind of conservation might be possible?

cameron12x · June 5, 2011 10:16AM

What kind of conservation might be possible?

(Sorry for the duplicate post.)

Billet7 · June 5, 2011 1:42PM

I would first recommend an acetone bath to see what kind of material the "dark stuff" is. It is possible that it's just surface junk. It may come off, but I wouldn't bet on it. It's a decent grade, I was actually one of the under-bidders on the auction, but since it looks to have some problems I wasn't willing to pay-up for it. It is possible that the darkness is just toning, but I don't think so, I believe this coin spent some time in a moisture rich environment and has caused some corrosion. I'm not sure I think it came out of the ground, but it's possible, either way the coin has seen some neglect in the past.

You might see what NCS can do with it, but it might not merit the cost. Either way it's important to see the coin in hand before determining anything.

Congrats on the new pickup. I think it was a good price for the grade even with problems. If she'll clean up nicely and you get it into a holder, then you will have scored! Don't get your hopes up, but I wish you the best. It's one of those coins that could go either way.

seanq · June 6, 2011 12:33AM

<< <i>
You might see what NCS can do with it, but it might not merit the cost. Either way it's important to see the coin in hand before determining anything.
>>

I would not recommend NCS or any TPG for that coin. IMNSHO that coin belongs in an album, not a slab.

If you can get some of the black gunk off with acetone then great, but anything else will destroy that gorgeous CircCam™ patina that makes the coin so attractive despite the corrosion.

Sean Reynolds

partagas · June 6, 2011 12:48AM

The coin grades, VF25 and appears to have surface granularity. Not uncommon for this date. I like it and would leave as is. Although acetone won't hurt it, I suspect the black is corrosion and won't come off anyway.

This was the first year of minting quarters for San Francisco. Fractional currency was hard to come by and was heavily circulated because it all came from Philly or New Orleans prior. Having a coin in your state of preservation is scarce, as most are VG or lower.

cameron12x · June 8, 2011 10:12AM

Thanks for all of the comments everyone... much appreciated!

Here are a couple of quick coin-in-hand photos:

I never even remotely thought about trying to slab this example, and I doubt if much of darkened areas can be made any better non-invasively.

Nonetheless, for its intended purpose I'm happy with "the look," and she'll reside in my collection as a nice historical conversation piece.

Moldnut · June 8, 2011 11:50AM

Congrats on a very cool coin. While it may not be totally problem free, it is one of the more important coins in the entire Seated Quarter series and numismatics IMO. Its a coin I'm always looking to buy even though they are not really that rare, although you could say they are scarce. The weak rim and date on the obverse is very normal for the issue, so you must take this into account when you grade the lower grade examples. Yours, I would easily grade VF30 and possibly up to VF35.

I forgot to mention that the entire reverse is also weak in lower VF down to coins in good.

Here is my PCGS VF20 for you to compare.

ecichlid · June 8, 2011 12:39PM

VF-30. Agree on a long acetone soak.

1855-S Seated Quarter

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