What does "Original Surfaces" mean??

Wisconsin

To my way of thinking this would be a coin that has never been dipped or cleaned. I see many coins advertised as Choice Original Surfaces that are clearly not original. I am speaking of early type coins that I search for.

Jay

Longacre

I have the same question. I see coins described as "original", "original surfaces", "totally original". I am not sure if these have different meanings.

coinguy1

Wisconsin/Jay, to your answer I would add - surfaces that have not had any substances added to them either.

291fifth

Like so much in numismatics, the term "original surfaces" has no well defined meaning.

ER

<< <i>Wisconsin/Jay, to your answer I would add - surfaces that have not had any substances added either. >>

What about dirt, Mark?

Wisconsin

The definition may be something like this:

<< <i>Original Surfaces >>

- A coin that has no additional metal plating, addition of wax, or varnish added to the surfaces. This is not to be confused with crusty old dirt which may be considered toning. The coin however may have been dipped, cleaned, chemically treated, or retoned.



Feel free to eddit and make changes until we clarify this situation.

morgannut2

Conguy1's addendum of no intentional addition is important. Telling a dipped but recolored/NT older coin is very tough in some cases.

The meaning of "originial surfaces" is VERY clear in the high end antique furniture and art trade. To the point that surfaces are in some cases analysed for chem composition, Carbon 14/13 ratios, and wood species (to tell replacement/refinish). Even lacquer types are well documented if the value merits it.

On coins, it's possible for a trained eye to tell an older surface from origional surface, but not easy. Ultimately they can be told through electron microscope magnification of flow line erosion. The problem is this involves emplacing gold on some of the surfaces in some cases. It has been done experimentally and published, however the fact is right now it's all opinion with few supported facts, mainly due to the lower relative values of most coins verses high end art/furniture. But also due to a lack of --in my opinion-- anyone really caring to check things as long as the fast money is so good in the coin business right now. Can I tell an undipped "white" Morgan from a dipped one? Yes, there's a clear difference if placed next to each other most of the time. Sady IMHO many people prefer the dipped whiter coin, and dealers only comply with their customers wants.

Older stuff??- you ever wonder why coins with a long provenace that are all dirty and toned bring tons off money?? Think original surfaces---

OKbustchaser

Hasn't been cleaneddipped since the seller bought it last week.

Boom

Same as "from original roll"...no kidding! At some point most coins came from original rolls. Original surfaces? Same one the coin started with.

PerryHall

So if a silver coin becomes heavily tarnished it is original? Makes a lot of sense to me.