@jclovescoins said:
Good job! I definitely don't see it as an AU with no luster. I see it as XF details - environmental damage. But could see straight grading at XF45.
One can't judge its luster by these pictures. Luster rarely is visible in photos of darkly toned coins. It has plenty of luster, though, and cartwheels easily in hand. It has the luster of perhaps an AU55.
I agree that does have notable environmental damage and I may replace it with a problem-free coin down the road at a show where I can see coins in hand. I see the coin as "AU53-details, environmental damage." I bought this coin off of eBay for a low price and vacillated over whether to return it or keep it.
I have been fortunate enough to handle several Lafayette dollars and I believe AU 50 is an accurate grade. There is a small amount of luster below the toning, hence the grade. I have seen many Lafayettes come back as cleaned so you have a nice coin. I have one graded a 55 and I held my breath before submitting. I agreed with the grade but was worried that it would come back as cleaned.
@Dreamcrusher said:
I have been fortunate enough to handle several Lafayette dollars and I believe AU 50 is an accurate grade. There is a small amount of luster below the toning, hence the grade. I have seen many Lafayettes come back as cleaned so you have a nice coin. I have one graded a 55 and I held my breath before submitting. I agreed with the grade but was worried that it would come back as cleaned.
The amount of luster is both a relative and subjective quality that lacks supportive evidence here. I realize you're talking in general terms and not necessarily what you can discern about this coin. I'm going to have to make a video of this coin cartwheeling sometime when I get the coin back so we can all assess its luster properly. I think some will be surprised by it.
Then again, we may figure out it's been whizzed and artificially toned as well as corroded.
Congratulations on getting a standard grade and not details. Im a little late to the party, but would like to thank everyone for posting the information on the different die types.
It always seems whenever i start thinking i really know something about this hobby, i end up finding a topic that is new to me. Even though I don't own a Lafayette dollar, I enoyed learning something new and reminds me that humility is important. Once again, it might not be a big deal to people out there making the posts, but sharing this type of info, IMO, is wonderful for some of us. Thanks
My Lafayette graded AU50 (Trueview below). Your DuValle 2C puts mine to shame! Beautiful coin! I noticed it on your coin display website and was quite envious.
Congrats! It looks great in the TrueView! I often like my circulated silver with grey toning like that.
And the reverse I was initially lukewarm on doesn’t look so bad upon second examination. That’s a coin with tons of character, and I like the eye appeal.
Congrats! It looks great in the TrueView! I often like my circulated silver with grey toning like that.
And the reverse I was initially lukewarm on doesn’t look so bad upon second examination. That’s a coin with tons of character, and I like the eye appeal.
Thanks! The Trueview is a fairly accurate depiction of the coin, though I think it's a bit nicer in hand. The "barnacles" on Lafayette's nose and Washington's lips aren't as visible in the Trueview and certainly not to the unaided eye. The rim corrosion is hardly visible without a lens. I suspect the coin's cartwheeling like an AU55 or AU58 is a function of corrosive substances affecting the high points of the coin more so than the fields. In other words, the etching may have increased the appearance of wear on the surfaces and in effect lowering its grade.
Despite its issues, I like the coin and it looked great in my classic commemorative Dansco. It just isn't what I'd consider choice for the grade like @TPRC's Lafayette dollar.
Here is one I have owned for a number of years. PCGS graded this one MS-63.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
As much as I would like to apologize for my thoughts prior to offering them, I see images that clear do not support an apology. I am simply not a fan at the grade assigned and I suspect I would not be a fan at any grade without seeing this one in hand first. It is not wise to be angry at at candid man that offers his opinion when it is sought.
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
Huh? No apologies are necessary or even accepted here! I was undecided whether my Lafayette would straight grade or not and was seriously soliciting other's opinions while the coin was in "QC" at PCGS knowing the grade would be revealed in a matter of days. Knowing the grade would soon be revealed by a TPG added some "drama" to the thread.
I understand and appreciate ALL of the criticisms from those who responded. Again, I consider it a "C" coin by CAC standards. I'm not sure I would have purchased it if I'd seen the rim issues in the seller's photos (below). Perhaps submitting it to CAC to see if it will sticker will be the next thread I post about this coin.
Although Lafayette is somewhat unattractive, it is an excellent dollar to own.
Low mintage with a neat story behind it.
Like a Trade Dollar, owning one of these is part of a diverse collection.
Even the Library of Coins type set for quarters on up requires the Lafayette!
I had an interesting week as regards Lafayette dollars. I was just given one as a surprise gift, and, though I liked the coin plenty, I immediately regifted it!
Apologies for directing you to CoinTalk for the full story (if you’re even interested), but I don’t feel like reformatting it all to repost here.
Looks like everyone is happy in Lafayette Land today. I'm not surprised, either.
That's one of the main reasons why I like this hobby. There's some greed around the fringes but the core of serious collectors and major dealers are usually very decent and ethical people, IMO.
Comments
One can't judge its luster by these pictures. Luster rarely is visible in photos of darkly toned coins. It has plenty of luster, though, and cartwheels easily in hand. It has the luster of perhaps an AU55.
I agree that does have notable environmental damage and I may replace it with a problem-free coin down the road at a show where I can see coins in hand. I see the coin as "AU53-details, environmental damage." I bought this coin off of eBay for a low price and vacillated over whether to return it or keep it.
I have been fortunate enough to handle several Lafayette dollars and I believe AU 50 is an accurate grade. There is a small amount of luster below the toning, hence the grade. I have seen many Lafayettes come back as cleaned so you have a nice coin. I have one graded a 55 and I held my breath before submitting. I agreed with the grade but was worried that it would come back as cleaned.
The amount of luster is both a relative and subjective quality that lacks supportive evidence here. I realize you're talking in general terms and not necessarily what you can discern about this coin. I'm going to have to make a video of this coin cartwheeling sometime when I get the coin back so we can all assess its luster properly. I think some will be surprised by it.
Then again, we may figure out it's been whizzed and artificially toned as well as corroded.
Congratulations on getting a standard grade and not details. Im a little late to the party, but would like to thank everyone for posting the information on the different die types.
It always seems whenever i start thinking i really know something about this hobby, i end up finding a topic that is new to me. Even though I don't own a Lafayette dollar, I enoyed learning something new and reminds me that humility is important. Once again, it might not be a big deal to people out there making the posts, but sharing this type of info, IMO, is wonderful for some of us. Thanks
Quite the educational post. Thank you for that and I am glad your coin straight graded as I thought it had a normal 120+ year appearance. JMO
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Congrats! It looks great in the TrueView! I often like my circulated silver with grey toning like that.
And the reverse I was initially lukewarm on doesn’t look so bad upon second examination. That’s a coin with tons of character, and I like the eye appeal.
These are the seller's photos.
Thanks! The Trueview is a fairly accurate depiction of the coin, though I think it's a bit nicer in hand. The "barnacles" on Lafayette's nose and Washington's lips aren't as visible in the Trueview and certainly not to the unaided eye. The rim corrosion is hardly visible without a lens. I suspect the coin's cartwheeling like an AU55 or AU58 is a function of corrosive substances affecting the high points of the coin more so than the fields. In other words, the etching may have increased the appearance of wear on the surfaces and in effect lowering its grade.
Despite its issues, I like the coin and it looked great in my classic commemorative Dansco. It just isn't what I'd consider choice for the grade like @TPRC's Lafayette dollar.
Here is one I have owned for a number of years. PCGS graded this one MS-63.
As much as I would like to apologize for my thoughts prior to offering them, I see images that clear do not support an apology. I am simply not a fan at the grade assigned and I suspect I would not be a fan at any grade without seeing this one in hand first. It is not wise to be angry at at candid man that offers his opinion when it is sought.
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
Huh? No apologies are necessary or even accepted here! I was undecided whether my Lafayette would straight grade or not and was seriously soliciting other's opinions while the coin was in "QC" at PCGS knowing the grade would be revealed in a matter of days. Knowing the grade would soon be revealed by a TPG added some "drama" to the thread.
I understand and appreciate ALL of the criticisms from those who responded. Again, I consider it a "C" coin by CAC standards. I'm not sure I would have purchased it if I'd seen the rim issues in the seller's photos (below). Perhaps submitting it to CAC to see if it will sticker will be the next thread I post about this coin.
Although Lafayette is somewhat unattractive, it is an excellent dollar to own.
Low mintage with a neat story behind it.
Like a Trade Dollar, owning one of these is part of a diverse collection.
Even the Library of Coins type set for quarters on up requires the Lafayette!
peacockcoins
I had an interesting week as regards Lafayette dollars. I was just given one as a surprise gift, and, though I liked the coin plenty, I immediately regifted it!
Apologies for directing you to CoinTalk for the full story (if you’re even interested), but I don’t feel like reformatting it all to repost here.
https://www.cointalk.com/threads/a-sticky-dilemma-but-it-was-a-nice-problem-to-have-i-reckon.401428/
Looks like everyone is happy in Lafayette Land today. I'm not surprised, either.
That's one of the main reasons why I like this hobby. There's some greed around the fringes but the core of serious collectors and major dealers are usually very decent and ethical people, IMO.
Good news that it straight graded. Well done.
AU55> @lordmarcovan said:
Super nice for a 63. I'd be proud to own it.