Identifying Mechanical Cleaning

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Glassdog
Glassdog Posts: 3 ✭
edited January 15, 2022 11:51AM in U.S. Coin Forum


I am still learning to properly identify cleaned coins. Are the heavy lines seen on the face of this 1889 P normal circulation wear or is this mechanical cleaning damage?

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  • rooksmith
    rooksmith Posts: 1,432 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Yes - guilty until proven innocent.

    “When you don't know what you're talking about, it's hard to know when you're finished.” - Tommy Smothers
  • ifthevamzarockin
    ifthevamzarockin Posts: 8,915 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Welcome to the forum! :)

    Photos are needed for the best responses. You may need to wait until you are an approved member to post photos.

    Very good chance it could be cleaned but with Morgan dollars there are quite a few with die polish lines that can look like it has been cleaned. No way to tell more without photos.

  • Glassdog
    Glassdog Posts: 3 ✭
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    Thank you, I used the photo bucket url link but must have done it wrong. I will try again.

  • Catbert
    Catbert Posts: 8,258 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    First a video from PCGS to lay a foundation:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLE9-DZwMpI

    Another video that shows examples beginning at around 3 minutes:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m9XxVXoshE

    Hope this helps!

    Seated Half Society member #38

    "She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
    running like a water color in the rain...."
  • Catbert
    Catbert Posts: 8,258 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Also, are the lines on the on the coin indented into the metal? Use a loupe to determine. Parallel scratches may indicate a wipe that indicates a cleaning.

    Seated Half Society member #38

    "She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
    running like a water color in the rain...."
  • Glassdog
    Glassdog Posts: 3 ✭
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    The image should now be loading with the original post. to me they look indented and uniform like a wire brush was used.

  • Catbert
    Catbert Posts: 8,258 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Yes, I’d say those lines are reflective of a wipe from a cloth or paper something similar.

    Seated Half Society member #38

    "She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
    running like a water color in the rain...."

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