Question on 1954 franlikn Proof. For experts in this series

Coin Finder

These coins can come hairlined because of the packaging from the mint.

question: What would a extensively hairlined coin coin grade at PCGS with everything else being perfect. Perfect strike, cameo contrast, no marks, golden ring of toning on rim. Hairlines in field both sides.

Hair lines only visable with a loop, and tilting rotation however.

what is the best it would grade???

In your opinion.

MS 63????

TheNumish

What caused the hairlines? IMO if it is die polishing you can still get a high grade up to proof-66. If it is from sliding around don't waste your time sending it in. Coin won't grade high enough to make it worthwile.

Gilbert

hmmmm? If the "lines" in question are from die polishing, they would be considered "die polishing lines" and would have LESS of an impact on the grade, but a proof with mirror-like fields shouldn't have them, so it would probably limit the grade to below gem. I sounds like you are describing die polishing lines, since they are not visible to the naked eye, BUT normally you see these in a series where there have been significant die changes OR removal of clashing. I don't recall this happening much in the Franklin series.

If they are truly hairlines, from improper handling, such as wiping or polishing album slide marks OR I guess you are saying sliding around in the plastic sleeve?, if extensive, may be considered an "impaired proof" and receive a grade like PF58; if the marks are minimal they probably may still grade up to, but probably not including, gem (65). This of course is all my opinion.

Coin Finder

Thanks to all who replied. I passed on the coin. I pointed out the hairlines to dealer, he was cool about it and said "oh yeah I see them now" These were not die polishing lines, you could see rainbow colors in the lines!!

I bought a couple of better date circ. barber halfs instead. A 1910 and a 1897 S....kinda fun, these coins are tough to find without probs.

Tbig