Let's play grade the $2.50 Indian GRADE REVEALED

mirabela · November 25, 2005 10:28AM

Or, as well as you can with this picture. What I like best about this coin (which just came today from a board member) is the green & bronze patination, which is not evident in this head-on picture. It is very lovely in hand.

It's in a PCGS 55 slab. Technically, I think that's the right grade. Having said that, the coin has wonderful eye appeal, and the premium I paid over "normal" 55 money was money well spent. I sold quite a pretty 1913 in PCGS 62 last summer; I like the look of this coin more than that one, and that was a nice coin too.

It's a tough series to grade, and just about impossible from a picture. The devices aren't really affected by wear at all; the indian's cheek shows nearly full luster. The fields show a bit much rub for a 58 -- get in there with magnification, and there's plenty of luster disturbance and marks. None are especially distracting. Those hairlines in the upper right reverse are, as some pointed out, the worst of it.
I think it would be a long hunt for a significantly more attractive AU example. I'm pleased. Thanks for playing

DickyBetz · November 25, 2005 10:32AM

AU58? Looks like some rub on the feathers. Might be a weak strike though.

JRH · November 25, 2005 10:41AM

MS 62

Stuart · November 25, 2005 10:58AM

A very pretty AU-58, based upon what I perceive to be light circulation friction in the unprotected areas of the fields, especiallyon the reverse.

bgrice · November 25, 2005 11:06AM

It's hard to tell what the marks might be on that $2.5 Indian based on the pics, but the braided area of the headdress has good detail and the top of the eagle's wing doesn't show AU wear, so I'll just say MS-something. A guess would be 61 or 62.