$2-1/2 Indian what do you think? Coin in hand

darktone · June 28, 2014 9:31AM

Just won this on proxi-bid. My first coin purchase over $100 in four years. I love toned gold and the $2-1/2 Indians seem to get some to get some pretty good color. Looks like it has mint bloom in the fields so I took a chance on it.

coinkat · June 28, 2014 9:37AM

I like it-congrats

STONE · June 28, 2014 10:08AM

Honestly, the photograph makes it very difficult to see what's going on with that coin.

The fields almost look heavily puddied and moderately corroded, but then again it's difficult to say for sure.

Best of luck!

steveben · June 28, 2014 10:54AM

It's hard to say with only those photos to evaluate. It appears to have luster and some rub. These coins are especially hard to grade. Most likely it's AU. I hope so, if that's what you are looking for.

darktone · June 28, 2014 10:54AM

Thanks I too have doughts on this one. I kind of gambled here. About $400 with buyers fees. This is what the catalogger told me in an email-

Here is a visual, under the glass: From the forehead to the bottom of the neck the frosty relief is virtually mark-free; the eagle’s breast is frosty and virtually mark-free; the top of the eagle’s left wing shows typical weakness; field blemishes on the obverse are practically nill a bit more in the reverse fields; the color is a deep reddish orange peel and is quite unusual; I am convinced that this is totally original; I had a ough time deciding to call this 62 or 63 and see coins of this quality offered as 64 frequently. This is, in my opinion, a premium coin!

magikbilly · June 28, 2014 11:02AM

Hi Mike!

Neat. Looks like Salvador Dali in the photo here!

Eric

darktone · June 28, 2014 11:08AM

Hi Eric

.

BillJones · June 28, 2014 11:11AM

The photo makes it hard to see the coin, but I don't care for what I do see. You might like toned gold that looks like this with dark spots, but most collectors don't. Light coppery toning mixed with the gold can be very attractive, although you see it more often on Liberty coins, not the Indian pieces. Dark patches like this make the coin very difficult to re-sell. I speak from experience.

magikbilly · June 28, 2014 11:12AM

Hi Mike,

How are you doing? You know on your Indian - the area that looks like a mustache - Dali's was probably bigger!

Best wishes,
Eric

darktone · June 28, 2014 10:29PM

Thanks Bill for your thoughts. I guess part of the fun for me is finding a coin like this that turns out to be really nice. I know the days of finding raw gold coins that turn out to be nice coins is pretty much gone by a decade or two. I look at 2-1/2 and $5 indians because most dont know how to grade these and in the past I have done rather well and in this coin I see luster in the fields which denotes an uncirculated coin and the toning ..

PerryHall · June 28, 2014 11:48PM

<< The photo makes it hard to see the coin, but I don't care for what I do see. You might like toned gold that looks like this with dark spots, but most collectors don't. Light coppery toning mixed with the gold can be very attractive, although you see it more often on Liberty coins, not the Indian pieces. Dark patches like this make the coin very difficult to re-sell. I speak from experience. >>

Agree. Most collectors don't want crud and filth on their coins---especially on a gold coin. That coin is in serious need of conservation. I wonder how many of those collectors that claim to only like original coins would want to buy this coin. I imagine it would be very few.

darktone · June 28, 2014 11:54PM

<< 

<< The photo makes it hard to see the coin, but I don't care for what I do see. You might like toned gold that looks like this with dark spots, but most collectors don't. Light coppery toning mixed with the gold can be very attractive, although you see it more often on Liberty coins, not the Indian pieces. Dark patches like this make the coin very difficult to re-sell. I speak from experience. >>

Agree. Most collectors don't want crud and filth on their coins---especially on a gold coin. That coin is in serious need of conservation. I wonder how many of those collectors that claim to only like original coins would want to buy this coin. I imagine it would be very few. >>

Seems like every other post about gold is titled dirty gold- somebody must like it. Lol

Boosibri · June 28, 2014 11:58PM

<< 

<< The photo makes it hard to see the coin, but I don't care for what I do see. You might like toned gold that looks like this with dark spots, but most collectors don't. Light coppery toning mixed with the gold can be very attractive, although you see it more often on Liberty coins, not the Indian pieces. Dark patches like this make the coin very difficult to re-sell. I speak from experience. >>

Agree. Most collectors don't want crud and filth on their coins---especially on a gold coin. >>

Sell me your cruddy gold please.

291fifth · June 29, 2014 12:18AM

Any purchase of raw gold is risky due to many counterfeits (and I'm not talking about the recent ones from China).

That particular coin is unattractive.

PerryHall · June 29, 2014 12:22AM

<< 

<< 

<< The photo makes it hard to see the coin, but I don't care for what I do see. You might like toned gold that looks like this with dark spots, but most collectors don't. Light coppery toning mixed with the gold can be very attractive, although you see it more often on Liberty coins, not the Indian pieces. Dark patches like this make the coin very difficult to re-sell. I speak from experience. >>

Agree. Most collectors don't want crud and filth on their coins---especially on a gold coin. >>

Sell me your cruddy gold please. >>

Sorry but I don't own any cruddy gold. I (as do most collectors) want to own coins with at least some minimal level of eye appeal.

magikbilly · June 29, 2014 12:32AM

From these images i have to agree with the majority.

Eri

Boosibri · June 29, 2014 1:00AM

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< The photo makes it hard to see the coin, but I don't care for what I do see. You might like toned gold that looks like this with dark spots, but most collectors don't. Light coppery toning mixed with the gold can be very attractive, although you see it more often on Liberty coins, not the Indian pieces. Dark patches like this make the coin very difficult to re-sell. I speak from experience. >>

Agree. Most collectors don't want crud and filth on their coins---especially on a gold coin. >>

Sell me your cruddy gold please. >>

Sorry but I don't own any cruddy gold. I (as do most collectors) want to own coins with at least some minimal level of eye appeal. >>

Too funny. To each his own I guess.

BillJones · June 29, 2014 1:05AM

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< The photo makes it hard to see the coin, but I don't care for what I do see. You might like toned gold that looks like this with dark spots, but most collectors don't. Light coppery toning mixed with the gold can be very attractive, although you see it more often on Liberty coins, not the Indian pieces. Dark patches like this make the coin very difficult to re-sell. I speak from experience. >>

Agree. Most collectors don't want crud and filth on their coins---especially on a gold coin. >>

Sell me your cruddy gold please. >>

Sorry but I don't own any cruddy gold. I (as do most collectors) want to own coins with at least some minimal level of eye appeal. >>

The key point is original surface gold. Some circulated gold coins simply should not like "bright and white." Here is an example of original surface gold in the way many astute collectors like to see it.

Even this can go too far. I've been looking for an 1838-C half eagle for some time. The closest I came to buying one was a piece in PCGS EF-40 with a CAC sticker. The coin was totally original, but it was so deeply toned that it looked like copper. I really wanted it in a way, but I had to pass because it did not look like gold.

ricko · June 29, 2014 1:07AM

Those images do not portray what is normally termed 'dirty gold' or 'crusty'. Of course, it could be the photography and the coin may really be nice. I look forward to your pictures and comments once the coin is in hand..... Cheers, RickO

Boosibri · June 29, 2014 1:19AM

Lovely 1850-C Bill. Completely agree on the comments.

darktone · June 29, 2014 1:22AM

<< Those images do not portray what is normally termed 'dirty gold' or 'crusty'. Of course, it could be the photography and the coin may really be nice. I look forward to your pictures and comments once the coin is in hand..... Cheers, RickO >>

Thanks Ricko- I am relying on little bits and pieces I see in these pictures that I think might be a cool uncirculated coin. I could be wrong for sure. Hopefully I have it hand in a few days. I don't really have a picture taking set up anymore but I can try.

darktone · June 29, 2014 1:31AM

<< Any purchase of raw gold is risky due to many counterfeits (and I'm not talking about the recent ones from China).

That particular coin is unattractive. >>

Not to worry as the auction guaranties if it is not genuine. Also I have quite a bit of experience with counterfeit gold.

coinkat · June 29, 2014 5:05AM

Count me as a collector that would love to own this one.

Best wishes with the submission if you choose to go that route

CoinJunkie · June 29, 2014 5:47AM

<< Count me as a collector that would love to own this one. >>

That's quite a bold statement in view of the quality of the photos at hand.

darktone · June 29, 2014 6:05AM

<< Count me as a collector that would love to own this one.

Best wishes with the submission if you choose to go that route >>

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I do think this was a risky venture myself but I do feel I will be ok with it.

PerryHall · June 29, 2014 6:16AM

<< 

<< Count me as a collector that would love to own this one.

Best wishes with the submission if you choose to go that route >>

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I do think this was a risky venture myself but I do feel I will be ok with it.

>>

There looks like there could be a nice coin under all that crud. Even with luster visible, it may not grade mint state although it wouldn't surprise me if it did. Enjoy your new coin.

johnny54321 · June 29, 2014 6:41AM

It looks like it could be a keeper. The thing that has me scratching my head is the heavy pixilation beneath the motto and the word "Liberty".....it almost looks like granularity....if those areas are ok in hand, its probably a nice high AU/low MS coin.

Cougar1978 · June 29, 2014 6:55AM

Not one I would want at all, don't like the dark toning. Definitely a coin I would dip.

RYK · June 29, 2014 7:41AM

I am not a fan of that look.though it is really hard to tell from that photo. More generally, I like dirty gold that is dirty from circulation, mostly pre-1880 Liberty gold and/or from European hoards. I prefer my 20th century gold to be naturally lustrous.

darktone · June 29, 2014 9:13AM

Only time will tell. I will be sure to post as soon as I get it.

PQueue · June 29, 2014 10:14PM

Poor picture quality for sure. However, the seller states:
"I had a ough time deciding to call this 62 or 63 and see coins of this quality offered as 64 frequently. This is, in my opinion, a premium coin!"
No way, never, will that coin grade anywhere near 64.
On Indians, fields are a very important grading factor. I see chatter and numerous scratches on the reverse (upper and right field). On the obverse the left & upper fields plus the upper lip preclude a higher grade (62 at best).

darktone · June 29, 2014 10:33PM

<< 

Poor picture quality for sure. However, the seller states:
"I had a ough time deciding to call this 62 or 63 and see coins of this quality offered as 64 frequently. This is, in my opinion, a premium coin!"
No way, never, will that coin grade anywhere near 64.
On Indians, fields are a very important grading factor. I see chatter and numerous scratches on the reverse (upper and right field). On the obverse the left & upper fields plus the upper lip preclude a higher grade (62 at best)... >>

Luster in the fields will get an MS grade even if their is a little rub on these. Chatter in the fields can still keep them in grades above 64. Not that i have any dilusions of anything higher than 62. My actual hope is to have some original luster peeking through with some cool color.

BillJones · June 29, 2014 11:11PM

Here is an Indian quarter eagle in very high end MS-64.

darktone · June 29, 2014 11:54PM

Very nice Bill!As can be seen in your photo's chatter and marks that are common for the grade. I have seen many 64's with with less chatter but not with the luster yours has.

BillJones · June 29, 2014 11:55PM

My photos emphasize chatter. This coin is actually very smooth.

PQueue · June 30, 2014 12:32AM

Wishing you luck.
Even with low quality pics, your coin is not even remotely close to Bill's. Much more chatter & hairlines. Look at the Indian's upper lip also. Tell us the results if you have it graded.

NewRose · June 30, 2014 1:30AM

<< Honestly, the photograph makes it very difficult to see what's going on with that coin.

The fields almost look heavily puddied and moderately corroded, but then again it's difficult to say for sure.

Best of luck! >>

Agree with this completely. The fields don't look right, even for (what I presume to be) scans of the coin.

On the positive side, nice luster on from what looks like an AU coin.

At $400, I doubt you would see a return on your "investment" any time soon, but if you like it, there's no arguing with that.

darktone · June 30, 2014 1:40AM

<< Wishing you luck.
Even with low quality pics, your coin is not even remotely close to Bill's. Much more chatter & hairlines. Look at the Indian's upper lip also. Tell us the results if you have it graded. >>

Thanks! Oh yes I never meant that mine compared to Bills.

darktone · June 30, 2014 1:42AM

<< 

<< Honestly, the photograph makes it very difficult to see what's going on with that coin.

The fields almost look heavily puddied and moderately corroded, but then again it's difficult to say for sure.

Best of luck! >>

Agree with this completely. The fields don't look right, even for (what I presume to be) scans of the coin.

On the positive side, nice luster on from what looks like an AU coin.

At $400, I doubt you would see a return on your "investment" any time soon, but if you like it, there's no arguing with that.

>>

This was nothing more than gambling- no investment thoughts on my part. Lol

darktone · July 9, 2014 8:51PM

Its at the post office. I hope to be able to report on it soon.

darktone · July 10, 2014 6:35AM

Sorry about crappy pics- shot with iPhone through a loupe with coin still in flip on workbench.

darktone · July 10, 2014 6:41AM

agentjim007 · July 10, 2014 7:24AM

I like that coin.

robertpr · July 10, 2014 7:31AM

I think you did well. I like the originality and the unique look to that one. 👍

SAM5969 · July 10, 2014 8:01AM

Photo looks like the contrast was turned up a notch
Good luck - hope it is a home run for U

Nic · July 10, 2014 8:01AM

Sweet!

$2-1/2 Indian what do you think? Coin in hand

Comments

Leave a Comment