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1889 IHC Impulse buy

CoinscratchCoinscratch Posts: 8,669 ✭✭✭✭✭

I bought this one thinking it was a proof, very shiny mirror like fields. Now that I'm home I think what I really have is a polished re-toned business strike and a tuition receipt. Any help & thanks in advance?!




Comments

  • SmudgeSmudge Posts: 9,526 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Coins like that are best bought certified.

  • coinbufcoinbuf Posts: 11,306 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Maybe just the photos but that does not resemble a proof strike to my eyes, and the color looks way off.

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  • CoinscratchCoinscratch Posts: 8,669 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Smudge said:
    Coins like that are best bought certified.

    Well, it wasn’t certified and how long ago was an MS 64 only worth $90. I’ve had other wins from this pawnshop so I thought maybe I’d get lucky.

  • CoinscratchCoinscratch Posts: 8,669 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @coinbuf said:
    Maybe just the photos but that does not resemble a proof strike to my eyes, and the color looks way off.

    Yes, I’ve been looking at all of the proofs tonight and I agree this doesn’t seem to be a proof. I have some cell phone pics that better demonstrate the flashy fields but again I think it’s just lightly cleaned and re-toned.

  • CoinscratchCoinscratch Posts: 8,669 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 20, 2024 6:33PM

  • originalisbestoriginalisbest Posts: 5,917 ✭✭✭✭

    Cleaned and retoned, yes. A proof, no.

  • BochimanBochiman Posts: 25,382 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Like you (OP) are surmising, and like others have posted, it is NOT a proof.
    Look at the rims first and foremost to immediately remove it from that category.

    As for "buying certified"...at <=$90, not all would be certified if anyone knew what it was. So, if the place (pawnshop?) you bought it from has any knowledge of coins, and/or has mainly certified coins for anything good, then that should have been the first giveaway. Pawnshop owners/workers aren't always stupid when it comes to knowing what they have...

    I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment

  • JimTylerJimTyler Posts: 3,400 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Brings back memories of coins I regretted buying

  • CoinscratchCoinscratch Posts: 8,669 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Bochiman said:
    Like you (OP) are surmising, and like others have posted, it is NOT a proof.
    Look at the rims first and foremost to immediately remove it from that category.

    As for "buying certified"...at <=$90, not all would be certified if anyone knew what it was. So, if the place (pawnshop?) you bought it from has any knowledge of coins, and/or has mainly certified coins for anything good, then that should have been the first giveaway. Pawnshop owners/workers aren't always stupid when it comes to knowing what they have...

    I vaguely remember that conversation, so are we looking for sharpness in the edge of the rims? I’m sure I can go back and compare more images to figure it out. I pretty much knew what I was getting into but in the heat of the moment the what-ifs start happening.
    You know what if it is a proof just slightly worn or what if it is an MS 64…

    I got a better one, what if I bring my loupe next time.

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