Indian Quarter Eagle Grade?
Brianruns10
Posts: 227 ✭✭
Hello All,
Brian R. back from the dead. It's been a few years since I've last posted here, but lately I've gotten to appraising my collection, and I'm going to send a few off for certification. One coin in particular has left me perplexed. It is a 1910 Quarter Eagle. It is a lovely piece, and a sentimental favorite, but has a strange green film in a portion of the recessed devices on the obverse, almost exclusively in the lowest parts of the Indian headdress and feathers. I have never stored it in anything containing PVC, and the coloration is different. It is not bright green like PVC damage I've seen, but rather a darker, brownish green. Almost like mold or mildew??? Also, it is ONLY on the obverse....if it were PVC, I would expect to see it on both side, wouldn't you think?
I originally bought it five or six years ago from a collector at a show. He had just purchased them as a group of five or six from an elderly woman who had kept them in hidden in a tin can. I even remember witnessing the transaction, which was why I bought one...the dealer had a quick turn around, and I got a good deal in the process (maybe $100 or $110?). I'm very picky buying raw, and it was the best one of the batch. Now, obviously any story should be taken with a grain of salt, but storage conditions like what the woman described could certainly promote moisture and environmental damage, no? Also, no additional accumulation has been observed, and I have stored it in cool, dry condition ever since.
I have attached photos of the coin, taken from several angles and in two different kinds of light to give an impression of what this "film" looks like. My questions are:
1. What is this collected substance on the coin?
2. Is it significant enough that my coin might be bodybagged for environmental damage by PCGS, NGC or ANACS?
3. Is there any possibility that it could be safely removed or conserved, with some distilled water perhaps--I know, cleaning is almost always a no-no, but is it possible to do it right and safely?
4. What are your opinions on the grade of the piece?
I'd really appreciate your thoughts. Thanks!
Best,
BR
Brian R. back from the dead. It's been a few years since I've last posted here, but lately I've gotten to appraising my collection, and I'm going to send a few off for certification. One coin in particular has left me perplexed. It is a 1910 Quarter Eagle. It is a lovely piece, and a sentimental favorite, but has a strange green film in a portion of the recessed devices on the obverse, almost exclusively in the lowest parts of the Indian headdress and feathers. I have never stored it in anything containing PVC, and the coloration is different. It is not bright green like PVC damage I've seen, but rather a darker, brownish green. Almost like mold or mildew??? Also, it is ONLY on the obverse....if it were PVC, I would expect to see it on both side, wouldn't you think?
I originally bought it five or six years ago from a collector at a show. He had just purchased them as a group of five or six from an elderly woman who had kept them in hidden in a tin can. I even remember witnessing the transaction, which was why I bought one...the dealer had a quick turn around, and I got a good deal in the process (maybe $100 or $110?). I'm very picky buying raw, and it was the best one of the batch. Now, obviously any story should be taken with a grain of salt, but storage conditions like what the woman described could certainly promote moisture and environmental damage, no? Also, no additional accumulation has been observed, and I have stored it in cool, dry condition ever since.
I have attached photos of the coin, taken from several angles and in two different kinds of light to give an impression of what this "film" looks like. My questions are:
1. What is this collected substance on the coin?
2. Is it significant enough that my coin might be bodybagged for environmental damage by PCGS, NGC or ANACS?
3. Is there any possibility that it could be safely removed or conserved, with some distilled water perhaps--I know, cleaning is almost always a no-no, but is it possible to do it right and safely?
4. What are your opinions on the grade of the piece?
I'd really appreciate your thoughts. Thanks!
Best,
BR
0
Comments
Best,
BR
<< <i>Yes, but not one containing PVC, as far as I know. Also, that was a photo I had taken a long time ago, but I thought it was the best at capturing the color and extent of the mystery substance. It has not be stored in it, and the other photos I just took today. So you recommend acetone? I had heard that it can leave a white film? Will it affect luster at all?
Best,
BR >>
Use reagent grade or USP acetone - the impurities are what leaves a film. Rinse with clean acetone at least twice after soaking it. Won't affect luster in my experience.
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