Any opinions on this 1864 Two Cent piece on ebay?

z2im

I'm looking to purchase a MS grade Two Cent piece. I found a 1864 listed in MS63 condition.
I would appreciate your input on this coin. The auction posting states that it has not been cleaned. It appears to me, however, that the coin has been lacquered to gain the high gloss.
What's your opinion??

ebay

Russ

I've never seen one that smooth and shiny. Either it's the photo, or there is something seriously amiss with that coin. This is one I would stay away from.

Russ, NCNE

Barry

Looks too shiny. Lacquer, maybe?

Russ

z2im,

After a second look, I think your opinion that it's been lacquered is right on the money. Look at the breaks around the 2 on the reverse.

Russ, NCNE

Petescorner

Once the coin starts getting around $100, I would look to buy one slabbed by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS. If you don't like slabs, you can always break it out, but at least you get a coin that has already been looked at, up close, by reputable graders.

Russ

Dan brings up an excellent point. I paid $96 for this one:



It's a PCGS MS62 RB.

Russ, NCNE

dwood

Actually, I have seen a few that had a "glossy look" to them. The 65 RPM I posted last week has a similar "sheen" to it, and is not lacquered. But Russ is right in that the areas around the "2" are suspicious. If you look even closer, you can see similar areas around almost ALL of the lettering, especially on the reverse. Still, I'm not sure that it isn't more the light and angle of the camera as much as the actual surface of the coin. (The light is so bright in the reflecting areas that it sort of "washes across" the rest of the coin, which can easily produce a false gloss, especially with digital cameras).

It doesn't end for 6 days, and the buyer has a nice feedback rating and a 10 day return policy. You might want to send him an email and ask him if he can verify whether or not the surface has been lacquered or otherwise "enhanced." If he hedges at all, there's a good chance something is amiss, and you should move on to the next one. It is a good looking coin, and even moreso if it really is mint state. I promise I won't bid against you....at least I'll TRY not too

airplanenut

Russ,

I REALLY like her

NumisEd

z2im, the coin is NOT uncirculated. Also, it's my opinion that the coin has not been laquered, but is rather coated with CoinCare or Blue Ribbon. Both products are preservatives for copper since they are really lubricants.

STAY AWAY from that coin. I must agree with the others; purchase an NGC, PCGS or ANACS certified coin for your first 2 cent piece. Then, take a real close look at the coin....study the luster, the color, the surfaces. Eventually you will be able to see the difference between doctored crap and the real thing. Happy collecting!!

dwood

It needs to meet the reserve REAL SOON...but if it does, this one might be a decent first:

1865 PCGS MS63BN

z2im

Thanks to all for your opinions. I think that I'll stay away from this one.
Russ... beautiful coin! I hope to find a deal like that.
dwood... Thanks for the auction pointer. I'll give this one a try so long
as the bidding doesn't get crazy.