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Altered Surface

I sent this coin into PCGS for grading and variety verification. It came back with the comment of altered surface and no vam identification since it did not grade. Can anyone tell me if they believe this has an altered surface? Cleaned? I believe that this is a vam 4, but cant tell if it could be an early die state. Could the vam people take a look and tell me what they think.

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Thanks for your help.

Comments

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    looks like a past cleaning. not harsh though, as to the vam question. i dont know, someone here will for sure.
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    Definitely altered surfaces. It's hairlined to a great extent.
    image
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    sinin1sinin1 Posts: 7,500 ✭
    the area below the chin looks played with

    can you see the parallel lines going east/west?

    noy sure on the VAM

    what kind of grade were you hoping for?
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    DorkGirlDorkGirl Posts: 9,994 ✭✭✭
    Looks like an O/S. But yes, cleaned.
    Becky
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    RogerdRogerd Posts: 36 ✭✭
    I was hoping to see an AU grade. When I look at it with my 10 power magnifier, it sure looks like to me that it could be the early die state coin as it does seem to match the pictures at the vam site.
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    Question, Why would PCGS BB for altered surfaces if it was cleaned? They have a code for cleaned.
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    really. i dont recall ever seeing a cleaned label on pcgs coins, i could be wrong though.
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    RogerdRogerd Posts: 36 ✭✭
    That was my question also, but I did call them and of course they said they could not give me an answer, but that altered surfaces did include harsh cleaning. I am wondering if I sent it in again that it might be graded the next time and say cleaned? I am looking for the vam type also, if it does turn out to be an eds, it would make a big difference. They say they wont do the vam identification if the coin does not grade.
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    GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 18,571 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>really. i dont recall ever seeing a cleaned label on pcgs coins, i could be wrong though. >>



    I've had a few, ahooka..........


    Per PCGS


    No Grade Description
    90 Not Genuine
    91 Artificial Color
    92 Cleaning
    93 Planchet Flaw
    94 Altered Surfaces
    95 Scratch / Rim Dent
    96 Refund - No Service
    97 Environmental Damage
    98 Damage
    99 PVC
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    TomBTomB Posts: 23,240 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It may have been thumbed.
    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
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    gripgrip Posts: 9,962 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Looks harshly cleaned.Maybe buffed.

    Al
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    wow goldbully very intresting to know. i have 5-10 problem coins but theyre nice and pulled from circulation by my grandma, i should try to send them in. theyre semi keys to a few series.
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    CalGoldCalGold Posts: 2,608 ✭✭
    Those codes are not on slabs. They are on body bags.

    CG
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    TomBTomB Posts: 23,240 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Ahooka454, the coins Goldbully is writing about are not certified in PCGS holders; they are simply returned in bags with a sticker affixed to the flip and a box corresponding to that code checked off.
    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
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    GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 18,571 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Ahooka454, the coins Goldbully is writing about are not certified in PCGS holders; they are simply returned in bags with a sticker affixed to the flip and a box corresponding to that code checked off. >>




    Thanks Tom and Calgold for clarifying the codes....I was remiss.
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    oh okay, i thought they would body bag but thought maybe something i just didnt know. thanks for clearing that up for me.image
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    I agree, looks like it's been cleaned, and there's a few areas with some funky looking polishing lines.
    Can't help with the VAM, sorry.

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