Undoubtedly Original ...
pursuitofliberty
Posts: 7,323 ✭✭✭✭✭
It sure seems that over the last twenty plus years it’s becoming more and more unusual to find coins which are almost undoubtedly original, and yet still attractive.
In my opinion, the majority of coins pre WWII issues in the Choice AU to Choice Unc’ grade ranges have been enhanced in some way. Get into the 19th century, and that would be the “vast majority”.
Many are damaged by these enhancements, and to the trained eye, will not deceive. Yet others may be nice, market acceptable, even very desirable … but not undoubtedly original.
Various forms of “dipping” can go undetected as the surface and luster qualities are not impaired. These silver and nickel coins are often then fresh mint “white” … and often over the years (or much less in the case of accelerated toning) these “white” coins often re-tone and (again) can be very attractive and desirable.
Often it seems (in my opinion) that these coins are often considered more attractive, and hence can be more desirable, especially to the earlier stage collector.
I’m not embarrassed to say I own many that I do not believe are undoubtedly original. Many are very nice, and I am very pleased with owning them. Yet, I wish I could find an attractive original coin in their place.
I do own a few that I do consider undoubtedly original, and for these, I cherish their preservation.
For those who may think of dipping, cleaning, or otherwise “enhancing” a coin, I urge you to consider this … true rarity is becoming more and more the example that is undoubtedly original as well.
Best Regards.
Oh, and since I know this thread is worthless without pictures, this arrived today, and I believe it qualifies as undoubtedly original
In my opinion, the majority of coins pre WWII issues in the Choice AU to Choice Unc’ grade ranges have been enhanced in some way. Get into the 19th century, and that would be the “vast majority”.
Many are damaged by these enhancements, and to the trained eye, will not deceive. Yet others may be nice, market acceptable, even very desirable … but not undoubtedly original.
Various forms of “dipping” can go undetected as the surface and luster qualities are not impaired. These silver and nickel coins are often then fresh mint “white” … and often over the years (or much less in the case of accelerated toning) these “white” coins often re-tone and (again) can be very attractive and desirable.
Often it seems (in my opinion) that these coins are often considered more attractive, and hence can be more desirable, especially to the earlier stage collector.
I’m not embarrassed to say I own many that I do not believe are undoubtedly original. Many are very nice, and I am very pleased with owning them. Yet, I wish I could find an attractive original coin in their place.
I do own a few that I do consider undoubtedly original, and for these, I cherish their preservation.
For those who may think of dipping, cleaning, or otherwise “enhancing” a coin, I urge you to consider this … true rarity is becoming more and more the example that is undoubtedly original as well.
Best Regards.
Oh, and since I know this thread is worthless without pictures, this arrived today, and I believe it qualifies as undoubtedly original
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
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Drunner
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Needless to say, it was a GOOD day ... and I am very happy with her ... it was a very long wait for the right one (been on my list for over a decade)
as Tom pointed out, the striking up of the date on this issue (and many type 2's; type 1 and type 3 SLQ's do not have that problem) is problematic at best, and this one is no exception to that rule
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
-sm
The Maddy Rae Collection
CURRENT BST OFFERINGS
Well before Jay Cline's 4 books back in 1976 Keith Kelman already made mention how scarce the 19-D's really are.
Matt
"Undoubtedly Original" = Ugly, in so many cases.
That SLQ is an exception.