Grease Spot on $20 Liberty???

winesteven

I’m new, so I don’t know if I can figure out how to upload an image, but if I can’t, the PCGS Cert is 25281112, and they show a detailed image. This coin is graded MS65, and is gorgeous, with so many fewer marks on Liberty’s cheek and neck than most other 65’s. However, there’s a short thin dark ”line” by “Pluribus” on the reverse. Is this mint made grease? Whatever it is, does it detract from the market value? Is this something that PCGS Restoration can successfully remove? Thanks. https://images.pcgs.com/TrueView/25281112_Large.jpg

MWallace

I can't answer your question but it's a beautiful coin.

Hemispherical

@winesteven Struck through grease would leave an obscurity/weakness on the design elements of the coin. There does not appear to be any with the dark line.

The double eagle is composed 90% gold/10% copper and hopefully it is not the copper reacting. I would recommend an evaluation by a professional service. There are a couple but since you are on a PCGS forum the following link provides information:

https://www.pcgs.com/restoration/

Additionally, this is the contact info for CS:

CONTACT PCGS
(800) 447-8848
(949) 833-0600
(Outside U.S.)
(949) 567-1253
info@PCGS.com

Also, agree with @MWallace, that is a very nice coin. I love gold!

winesteven

I’m somewhat familiar with copper spots on gold, which tend to be redder, or at least lighter in color, and usually are not thin lines, but have more of a second dimension/volume. Does this line reduce value? If you gents and ladies indicate yes, since I’ve successfully used PCGS Restoration in the past on several coins, I’ll send this one in too, and hopefully they’ll accept it. But if it does not reduce value, I’ll move forward with my plans to sell it. Thanks.

Hemispherical

@winesteven

Recommend you post onto the US Coin forum. You will more than likely receive more detailed and expert responses, especially, with that double eagle.

https://forums.collectors.com/categories/u-s-coin-forum

winesteven

Thanks. I just posted it on that Forum.

Namvet69

I want to believe that it's organic and can be safely removed. Let us know. Peace Roy

winesteven

Update - I submitted the coin to PCGS Restoration, and they accepted it. The "grease spot" is very slightly thinner and lighter than before, although comparison of the original photo above and the new one posted now shows a little less difference than in hand. Regardless, I'm a bit disappointed they couldn't make it "disappear", but it is what it is. The coin had a CAC, and since I have the paper trail showing this is the same coin, and the grade remains unchanged, it's on its way back to CAC to get the sticker reapplied. As noted in the original post above, Liberty's cheek, neck and the fields show so fewer marks than most 66's, even though the grade is MS65. That's "net" grading.

Hemispherical

@winesteven Thanks for the update!

Insider2

Beautiful coin. The black mark is not a grease spot! When these are removed by proper conservation the coin will have a void rather than the remains of the debris. Sending it for conservation was a good choice. I'd probably leave it in its present condition rather than any additional treatment.

winesteven

@insider2 - I fully agree. Thanks.

Aspie_Rocco

Great and informative discussion

winesteven

Just came back from CAC, and they did reapply the sticker, as expected.