COLOR gives important clues for authentication and grading.

Insider2 · February 7, 2019 5:18PM

This image is part of the obverse of a 1950's era San Francisco cent. The coin looks like an MS-66 Red in hand but then you notice an unusual patch of color. It would not be fair to have a quiz on this one so I'm posting two magnified images in different orientation to the light. I have never seen a spot removal as this before. With florescent light at 25X it is not deceptive but in hand, it is. After all, someone wanted this "gem" graded.

Insider2 · February 7, 2019 5:19PM

PS They kept the overall "red" color right and the reverse is original.

lusterlover · February 7, 2019 6:01PM

Thanks for sharing. Always appreciate educational threads. I'm surprised it was done on this coin as those many hits in the left field and on the coat would likely prevent this from even reaching gem 65.

AUandAG · February 7, 2019 6:03PM

Not likely an expensive cent.....just for practice?

bob

bolivarshagnasty · February 7, 2019 6:07PM

@AUandAG said:
Not likely an expensive cent.....just for practice?

bob

26-S in 63rd is 3500, 64rd is 7000.

yosclimber · February 7, 2019 6:17PM

This one is in the 1950s, though.

Namvet69 · February 7, 2019 6:50PM

So do you think a mild acid was applied to a black carbon spot?

abcde12345 · February 7, 2019 6:53PM

Need a closer shot before making an accurate assessment.

Insider2 · February 7, 2019 6:55PM

@Namvet69 said:
So do you think a mild acid was applied to a black carbon spot?

Don't know how it was done. It is a shame they removed the metal (scratches) if that was the case. I'll bet they just abraded the surface down until the spot was gone.