Altered Surfaces yet strangely kind of attractive

braddick

I've been following this half dollar since it was listed on eBay (link below). NGC calls it Altered Surfaces and of course, I agree. I think the coin had not only been whizzed yet perhaps also tooled. What is your opinion as to the problem(s) associated with it?

Now, what I find a bit annoying is I like it. The details, if enhanced look kind of cool and I think it would display well in a typeset of halves (with the problems noted to those looking at it).
https://www.ebay.com/itm/203603263413?_trkparms=amclksrc=ITM&aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=20160908105057&meid=8c8abbaaaa5e4c1fa291b628d7e3695a&pid=100675&rk=12&rkt=15&sd=304142952941&itm=203603263413&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=2380057&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci:035843f7-15b6-11ec-bdb0-1e7d2cbf8744|parentrq:e6b4a0e917b0ab859ddec8defffff04c|iid:1

thebeav

It does have a neat look.
It's a shame they don't show the NGC label, just to see what it actually says. I think it sells for some pretty good money, you know those civil war dates........

braddick

It has an impaired proof look about it- especially so on the reverse.

koynekwest

I don't think it entirely unattractive.

ReadyFireAim

My understanding of Alt-Surf is than it's reversible w/ conservation. (coloring, putty)
Tooled & whizzed are something damaging to the surface but can be hidden by Alt-Surf.

hummingbird_coins

I dislike the look but that is just my opinion, beauty is in the eye of the beholder

NumisOxide

@braddick said:
It has an impaired proof look about it- especially so on the reverse.

Sure does have that look.

fathom

Whizzed, burnished etc. IMO.

Not worth the effort or funds. Save for a nicer one, they are popular spendy civil war dates but available.

Aercus

Not for me. Looks like it will do well though.

ElmerFusterpuck

It does have a nice look to it, but it's one I would pass on. 1864 is a date that is very difficult to find raw or slabbed and especially not messed with. It took me years to find one for my set.

AMRC

Why else would anyone want to alter a surface if not to make the coin more appealing? Altered Surfaces are like pretty women and make-up. You are not always sure what is under there. :-)

ricko

Not a good buy.... it will always be a problem coin. Cheers, RickO