Enhanced cameo?

BigGreek

I recall reading about how acid can be used to make etch a surface so
that it appear cameo-like. The reference showed examples on gold coins,
is this possible with silver?

Here's what reminded me of this reference:

http://cgi.msn.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39465&item=3946541972&rd=1

I'm not saying this coin has been treated, but I wonder at how such
a uniform cameo can appear?

LincolnCentMan

Linky

David

Russ

<< <i>is this possible with silver? >>



Not only is it possible, I bought a PCGS graded fake frost coin at Heritage auction. I think mine was done with bleach, though, as it was pretty obvious even to my - at the time - untrained eye.

NON MSN BANNER Link to auction.

That one is either fake, or the image is enhanced.

Russ, NCNE

coinguy1

<< <i>is this possible with silver? >>

You bet it is, and a number of people have tried it. I can't tell for certain from the images, but it's certainly possible that the coin in question was artificially frosted.

morgannut2

Some bleach turns silver black, but not all. There are a number of artifical frostings around. On the low priced stuff all they have to do is "thumb" the frosted surfaces with actor's grease to make it look nice according to NGC at a show. I've even seen Krylon auto aluminum-wheel paint tried on the non refund Ebay auctions.

rhedden

The manufacture of so-called "California Special" fake Morgan cameos is a scam that dates back at least 30 years. The scammer selects S-Mint Morgan dollars with semi-PL fileds and a few big bagmarks on the cheek. Why? Because these are cheap and common. Then a silver amalgam paste is made and applied to the devices to give a white frosted look. I don't know its actual chemical composition, and I wouldn't post it here if I did. In addition, the bagmarks are covered with the paste, and the coin looks MS-66 DMPL when it's done. These are easy to spot in person because 1) the "frosting" is usually splashed into the fields in one or two spots, so there are little white islands; 2) there is usually a spot or two on the devices that has no frosting because the people who do this typically mass-produce them and aren't careful; 3) there are no bagmarks whatsoever on the cheek because they are covered with foreign material; 4) the cheek and devices have no luster because they are covered. These have been known to fool established dealers and collectors if well made.

The coin in the auction link listed is 100% California Special and has a value of about $15. Think about it: cameo DMPL Morgan better date, not in a slab. Would be worth thousands if it were. Seller has awful feedback. Not hard to figure out.

rhedden

Also note that there is a splash of white gunk under the "N" in UNUM right above Liberty's cap. Dead giveaway.

Coinhusker1

MS 66 >>> yeah, right. Even with the frost and the nick-hiding tilt, the coin still looks baggy.

14 negs over the past month. Looks like selling cleaned junk is catching up with him.