Hairlines

gecko109

For some reason, hairline scratches on an MS coin automatically make it undesirable. Put those same hairlines on a proof coin, and it gets graded PR63. I never understood the philosophy of this. Arent hairlines, well, hairlines regardless of whether the coin is a proof or an unc? I mean, the metal used to make both versions is IDENTICAL, so its not as if the proof coin is "easier" to hairline.

cinman14

I thought you were talking about my receding hairline....

Russ

Proof coins are far easier to hairline. The surfaces are much more delicate than business strikes.

Russ, NCNE

gecko109

<< <i>Proof coins are far easier to hairline. The surfaces are much more delicate than business strikes.

Russ, NCNE >>




Its the same metal though, correct? Which means it has the same exact Mohs hardness scale number. Which means that the surface of an unc should be as easy/hard to hairline as that of a proof. Where is my logic flawed Russ?

Russ

Same metal, different finish.

Russ, NCNE

TwoSides2aCoin

I think it's part "accountability" of the proofs that is the underlying importance of grading hairlined specimens.
Pure conjecture, though.

darktone

Usually hairlines on an MS coin are from a cleaning- a few stray hairlines won't get it bagged. I agree with Russ.

Russ

There are a lot of AU58 graded business strikes that are really mint state coins with too many hairlines.

Russ, NCNE

dorkkarl

few things in coins cause as much frothing wild eyed, bald-headed paranoia as the mere mention of the word "hairlines". while an excesss is definitely not cool, i agree w/ you that if a biz. strike picks up a few here & there, so what? would you rather have rim dings? scratches? corrosion spots?

i basically agree w/ the o.p. thesis. sure proof coins pick up hairlines more easily, but they are also less impactful on the appeal of a biz. strike.

K S

ricko

Just a prime example of the endless search for perfect coins.... collect and enjoy the coins. Sure, a nice clean coin is a great possession, however, perfection? Only if you want to profit.... and it would appear, there are less and less collectors and more and more profiteers. Cheers, RickO

WaterSport

Not all proofs with hairlines come back proof 63. In fact, this one was once in a NCS holder I assume because of the hairlines.
WS