An example of a copper coin that turned bad in its holder

toothpuller

Unless the image of this MS66RD Indian Head Cent is very poor this looks what happens when a copper coin turns bad in its holder. It was probably dipped/baked or otherwise manipulated just prior to encapsulation. The luster appears gone and the coin looks lifeless. The red is ancient history. It is in an old PCGS holder which is now its coffin.

gmarguli

Given the flatness of the inserts color, I'd say the picture is just awful.

coppercoins

Again, the victim of a scanner bed. I doubt the coin looks that bad in person.

Russ

The 1871 Two Cent piece in my signature looked similar to that, (actually, a little worse), in the scans provided by the seller from whom I bought it.

Russ, NCNE

Bustman

That coin looks fine. Just bad scans.

shylock

When I saw that earlier today I was curious about the date. From the image it looks unusually weak for a mint state 1909.

coppercoins

<< <i>When I saw that earlier today I was curious about the date. From the image it looks unusually weak for a mint state 1909. >>



I think it has to do with an astute lack of contrast in the scan - makes things look shallow. I would almost bet my check that the coin looks perfectly fine in person. You can't take scans for granted, that light bar and fluorescent type lighting can wash the contrast out of any coin by appearance.

Barry

Just call me a photo doctor:



Tweaked in Photoshop Elements. Looks prettier now, doesn't it?

shylock

Maybe it's a contrast problem in that area, or maybe it's a late die state that made it into a 66 holder. Maybe it's blast red, or maybe it has the dark obverse toning the image portrays and Toothpuller pointed out. Anyone here want to spin the Ebay wheel of fortune?

toothpuller

Russ, I don't think its a dark image like the typical Heritage copper. I bet that coin is severely lacking in luster. In fact I have a dead 1909 MS65RD in my hand right now that looks something like that scan. Even though I'm looking for an upgrade, I certainly wouldn't take a chance here.

The seller's recent image of a Peace dollar certainly looks more lustrous.

Russ

<< <i>Russ, I don't think its a dark image like the typical Heritage copper. >>



Toothpuller,

You're mixing up coins. I got my 1868 through Heritage. The 1871 came from eBay, and the sellers scans showed no red at all. They looked like baby poop brown.

Russ, NCNE

toothpuller

Well Russ I like your 71 no matter where you got it.

Russ

toothpuller,

Thanks.

Russ, NCNE

shylock

I think Toothpuller's just using Heritage's typical dark scans of copper as a comparison.

As a side note, Barry's tweaked image shows some unusual stuff going on around the 6th feather. Looks like the die was beginning to deteriorate, making me wonder if the weak date is not an illusion. If that's the case, you'd have to assume the only way it could make a 66RD is with outstanding red surfaces. So either the image is vastly understated, or Toothpuller's IH instinct is right on.

Russ

Interesting who the high bidder is.

Russ, NCNE