COTD - 1878 Twenty Cent Piece

CarlWohlforth

This is the first new coin for my collection in a long time. I've had to sell off several others to raise cash. I am still over budget for the year

I am now really motivated to buy a digital camera. The scans don't show the toning properly. I have a few proofs from the era with that nice chamgange colored toning. This reverse is like that only turning a little red. The obverse has turned even more so. It has some very nice orange to red color once it is lighted properly. There are areas by the date and to the right of Liberty that are not toned.

The devices look decently frosted to me, but not caked. The fields appear very reflective. I can't see the hairlines or whatever keeps this to the grade of PR 64. Perhaps the toning covers some hairlines? Anyway I like it.

shirohniichan

Nice coin! I don't collect proofs, but I just might have to start so I can get the 1877 and 1878 20 cent pieces.

darktone

Very nice coin! A digital camera is the way to go but some coins look better from a scanner

roadrunner

PCGS penalizes original coins like this. The mirrors or blast of the coin are somewhat muted due to the toning. If there aren't noticeable patches of hairlines, then that's probably why the 64 grade. NGC is more realistic IMO on such coins and may grade it 65 if it is clean and attractive with decent reflectivity. Looks like a nice coin.

roadrunner