NTC...Calling all AT experts

NumisLusus

OK, I've read all of the previous threads on NTC...Good stuff.

My question is, are These Franks AT???

I received the coins today and they do grade MS65 FBL. The FBL could be better in 1 or 2 cases but they would all pass by PCGS standards.

I know AT (or grade for that matter) is hard to tell via scan but the color is very weird. They almost look gold plated. Toning is consistent across the coin for all coins except for one where it almost looks like the toning flaked off on the reverse.

I have sent a polite email to the seller asking for his take on things. It bounced back due to a full inbox. I will resend tomorrow.

Also, the seller is 'centles' (from FL...Hhhmmm). I have noticed other NTC coins from him with similar toning (check paste posts and go the the auction links). Is this guy trying to AT???

I typically stay with blast white coins so I am not a toning expert by any means. Any feedback welcome.

Thanks.

truthteller

90% silver half dollars placed on a stove top on medium flame for 2 minutes will produce the same color.

TRUTH

toothpuller

Centles has been a heavy seller of ACG coins on eBay for a number of years. Looks like he has branched out.

Mike921

I don't know about your Frankies but I know about 6 months ago this seller used to sell nothing but ACG slabs and now it seems he has switched to NTC. Some of the coins he sells look really nice why he uses these grading company's is a little odd

NumisLusus

Truth - Thanks. I was wondering how this was produced as I've never seen it before.

Tooth & Mike - I figured he was a former ACGer. Thanks for the verification.

Funny thing is, these coins look like they wouldn't have any problems untoned. I guess my question is, what was someone trying to cover up?. Luster looks full under the toning?

relayer

I've gotten halfs out of proof sets with the same kind of light gold toning - it's not common but not rare either. They can easily be created though.

Centsless does take returns (or he did - I only bought from him once and returned it). He is (or was) a major ACG seller. Maybe he's branched out to AT?

If you like em, keep em.

jom

First: ask yourself if you like the coin.

Second: Is this toning covering up something? ie Making the coin "look" like a higher grade?

Third: Does the toning enhance the value?

If you like it, and you answer NO to the last two questions who cares if it's AT?

jom

Placid

I saved the picture of the reverse and let photoshop auto adjust it.
The result.
What one is more accurate the auction?

NumisLusus

I believe centles still does take returns. I'm not going to though. The transaction actually went very smooth and I left positive feedback.

As for the pic Placid posted, the pic on EBay is actually closer. I could tell when I bid that the coins had some funky golden toning.

The coins are actually very nice. They are consistent with the grade, luster appears full under the toning, and I can't find anything that the toning would be trying to cover up.

I guess what really perplexes me is that I have noticed many of the coins he has for sale have similar toning. If he is ATing...why? The coins I bought look like they would make MS65FBL in a PCGS holder...if they didn't get bagged for AT.

Oh well, I have a proof on the way from him which appears to have similar toning from the scan on the auction. Guess I'll have to wait and see when I get it.

FC57Coins

I think what you'll find is that the toning is going to be much more subdued than what you see in the picture. In addition - take a good close look at the coins, my experience is that NTC is very liberal with their grading of Franklins - about a grade to possibly even 2, in which case, the coins you bought may be priced at just what you bought them if they were in PCGS or NGC slabs - My advice, look at'em, take pictures if you like, unless they are true gems, return them ASAP.

Frank

SarasotaFrank

I don't know about those Franklins, because toning is not something that has high appeal for me.

I purchased an NTC Peace Dollar MS64 from centsles a few weeks back and found it to be right up to form. I believe it would cross to NGC or PCGS. COnsidering I paid about 15% less than MS63 money for it, I'm feeling like I did OK. I will probably crack it and send it to NGC to as opposed to sending the NTC slab, which would probably get me a 60 just on principle.

Back to centsles, I got the merchandise fast, I believe it was a good value regardless of the slab, the coin is lusterous with nice eye appeal and the guy communicated well and left positive feedback after receiving payment.