Identifying Mechanical Cleaning

Glassdog

I am still learning to properly identify cleaned coins. Are the heavy lines seen on the face of this 1889 P normal circulation wear or is this mechanical cleaning damage?

rooksmith

Yes - guilty until proven innocent.

ifthevamzarockin

Welcome to the forum!

Photos are needed for the best responses. You may need to wait until you are an approved member to post photos.

Very good chance it could be cleaned but with Morgan dollars there are quite a few with die polish lines that can look like it has been cleaned. No way to tell more without photos.

Glassdog

Thank you, I used the photo bucket url link but must have done it wrong. I will try again.

Catbert

First a video from PCGS to lay a foundation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLE9-DZwMpI

Another video that shows examples beginning at around 3 minutes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m9XxVXoshE

Hope this helps!

Catbert

Also, are the lines on the on the coin indented into the metal? Use a loupe to determine. Parallel scratches may indicate a wipe that indicates a cleaning.

Glassdog

The image should now be loading with the original post. to me they look indented and uniform like a wire brush was used.

Catbert

Yes, I’d say those lines are reflective of a wipe from a cloth or paper something similar.