1856 seated quarter- opinions

krazyace5

I bought this off of ebay, was wondering if you think it is original or not. I thought it looked like it but am still getting my feet wet.

Also I know it is hard to see but if ya want, throw a grade out. Thanks

KlectorKid

Au 53+ Original

FrattLaw

Original AU55

Michael

Baley

do you like it's eye appeal?

it's darker than I prefer but yes, I think it's "original"

lordmarcovan

I'm with KlectorKid. AU53 or slightly better, and original.

While the toning is a bit dark and mottled for my tastes, it ain't awful. Nice coin.

krazyace5

I do not really care for its eye appeal, the back is not to bad I guess.

I did like that it looks to be in pretty good shape under that "toning"

Now don't bite my head off to quick but should I leave it as is or dip it?

lordmarcovan

Now there is a tough question.

What's it worth? I'm unable to look it up at the moment. If it were, say, net graded to EF40 after you dipped it, would you lose any investment?

Some would probably flame me for even contemplating the question, as dipping such an otherwise-nice and original coin is tantamount to numismatic heresy, perhaps.

If it were mine, I might dip it... very carefully. (Accent on the word "might".) IF I were to be so bold, I would probably dilute some Jeweluster to half strength or even less, dip the coin really fast, and then rinse it thoroughly. If you use weak enough Jewleluster and you dip and rinse fast enough, maybe you can lighten it a shade or so without totally removing the toning. Maybe.

Like I said, it would be a tough call for me. Most folks would probably reflexively scream, "NO!! LEAVE IT ALONE!!!" But I am a little more liberal, maybe.

robertpr

If you want to whiten it up, send it to NCS. That toning looks like it would be tough to remove with jeweluster without damaging the coin.

I agree it looks like it might be AU53 or better and original.

tmot99

What??!?! Lord, you would suggest dipping?!?!?! You should be banned from the forum! Just kidding.

I don't dip anything. I tend not to buy dark coins in the first place. I like toning, but not that dark.

krazyace5

It is worth $60 in XF and $140 in AU. Thats a big hit, so I will most likely leave it as is.

KlectorKid

Keep it as is. I wouldnt touch that coin if it were white. And I know im not the only one.

airplanenut

1- I can't grade from the tiny picture.
2- Do NOT dip this coin--it will be washed out and uglier, as the toning will likely turn more hideous. While the technical grade is AU something, and it is original, I don't think you'd get the price you listed due to the eye appeal factor. That said, if you look hard, you can easily find one much nicer, IMO.

Jeremy

lordmarcovan

NCS is a thought.

Dipping the coin would be playing Russian roulette, maybe. I might have been tempted to tinker with that if it were mine, but I've been known to make some less-than-intelligent decisions on occasion.

robertpr

Wanted to add that if that were my coin, I would like to keep it as is.