QUESTION: Is it possible to authenticate a highly worn and polished coin?

MrEureka · March 24, 2006 12:33PM

Is it possible to authenticate a highly worn and polished coin? After all, the diagnostic surface characteristics are long gone.

ER · March 24, 2006 12:35PM

100% certainty? I'd say no.

Numismatics · March 24, 2006 12:36PM

I don't think so.

Fairlaneman · March 24, 2006 12:42PM

Are we talking 1916 SLQ ?

Yes.

Ken

MrEureka · July 17, 2009 8:09AM

Anybody else?

doh · July 17, 2009 8:12AM

This thread is worthless without pictures.

GrumpyEd · July 17, 2009 8:29AM

Well maybe if it was a 1915-S octagonal $50

telephoto1 · July 17, 2009 8:31AM

There's no one size fits all answer to this question. It depends on the item. So, yes, and no.

notwilight · July 17, 2009 8:33AM

<< <i>100% certainty? I'd say no. >>

You can't authenticate a new proof set to 100% certainty....It's all in the level of uncertainty you're willing to accept. --Jerry

MrEureka · July 17, 2009 8:34AM

There's no one size fits all answer to this question. It depends on the item. So, yes, and no.

My opinion is that for most coins, the answer is no. But I'd like you to convince me that I'm wrong. Examples would help.

PerryHall · July 17, 2009 8:53AM

In most cases it's impossible to authenticate a well worn coin that's been heavily polished.

tightbudget · July 17, 2009 8:54AM

I'd say yes until someone can prove me wrong with an example.

pheh · July 17, 2009 8:55AM

Not polished, but highly worn. It got a No Decision/Refund. My opinion is that this coin is obviously a genuine 1909-S VDB... but then, I own it.

shottaker · July 17, 2009 9:04AM

<< <i>Is it possible to authenticate a highly worn and polished coin? After all, the diagnostic surface characteristics are long gone. >>

Depends. Dig deep enough and most things can be figured out. What type of coin?

Knew a guy that could tell Indian cent blanks from lincoln blanks. he could even tell blanks from the teens & 20's vs later ones in US cents. That was amazing, but after he explained all the differences including when annealing processes were changed where and different planchet sources/ mines and a bunch of other mumbo jumbo stuff I knew he was either nuts or for real. After watching him for a few years figured out he was for real, so I really know theres guys out there in each specialty that can knock your socks off with knowledge.

QUESTION: Is it possible to authenticate a highly worn and polished coin?

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