Cleaned or not cleaned

CUEBALL

This has always been a hot topic and where do you draw the line on cleaned.For instance, I have a 1863 half dollar graded as a Proof 63 by ANACS,it is not marked cleaned.It is a beautiful,well struck,original coin with fantastic toning.From a foot away it looks like a proof 65 or better.The problem is someone took a cloth and wiped it off leaving fairly deep hairlines over most of the coin,but there was no cleaning agent used other than just a rag.Is this coin considered cleaned?And is it still a desireable coin?

Hedger

Yes, it's considered cleaned. Hairlines ruined the coin. Would not be as desirable to me.

Catch22

Are you sure those aren't die polishing lines? The reason I ask is that ANACS is notorious for "net" grading a coin for cleaning and they don't miss too many. I think they can tell if a coin has been in the same room as a jar of jeweluster.

coinguy1

Cueball, "cleaning" is a general term which covers a number of different means of treating coins (dipping, wiping, polishing, scrubbing, rinsing, etc.).

Technically, you could try to distinguish "wiping" from "cleaning", but the bottom line is that something detrimental has been done to the coin's surface.

That doesn't mean the coin isn't desirable, however - many great looking coins have hairlines.

DrWho

Wasn't it a bit common for the old collectors to 'dust' their coins periodically, as they sat in their display cases, resulting in 'wipes'?

CUEBALL

After taking a close second look it is possible they are die lines,need a stronger glass mine is only a 10x.Eyes are the first thing to go I guess.