I think there is a general understanding that most of the gold available in today's market has been manipulated in one way or another.

Just try to find un-hairlined circulated or low MS gold.

I spent hours and hours and days, looking around at the ANA in Milwaukee recently, and came up with very little.

It's almost become a new challenge of mine, so challenging, I think I should throw in the towel before I even get my feet wet. And believe me, they are not even wet yet.

Now, Bust Halves suffer similarly, except for a couple of things.

Firstly, silver is not as soft as gold, and the consequences of this are easily seen if you examine even a small sample of coins.

Secondaly, a lesser majority of Bust Halves that I've seen on the market have been wiped. That's just my opinion. I haven't done a statistical study, so what I'm saying is just through my own 'simple observation'.

But it seems that Gold, is usually wiped. And that leaves hairlines.

My 1834 Classic Head, gorgeous coin, better than average strike for the issue (I think), dipped, wiped and retoned. If it weren't for the hairlines, I'm sure it would have graded MS. Does that mean I won't have it in my collection...obviously not. But sure as hell when I find a piece that is original, I will buy it up in a flash. I'm talking AU now, not MS. Too much money.

Now, I've got a couple of pieces in my small collection of gold that are original. One has hairlines that I don't believe are from a wiping, rather, from handling, and the marks consistent with the grade of MS 60. It's originally toned. Well...how do I know that, and what's original?

I'd say that the depth of the toning, and the way it falls on the surface of the coin is consistent with something that occurred over a long period of time (a lot longer than 20-30 years), so I would hazzard to guess that indeed, the dealer who sold it to me, who felt is was >100 yrs of toning in a leather pouch, may very well be correct.

Hey, if you think otherwise and can explain a logic that would defend otherwise, email me...please...I need to learn.

But I'm posting this coin for the very reason that it looks like 'original gold', a rare item for anything but moderns, and also, a coin of great beauty. In fact, despite the scratches c/w the grade, the coin is absolutely stunning, and I doubt I'd find one so beautiful even in high MS grade. Show me one, please! Even though I wouldn't be able to afford it!!!

If my strength holds up, I'll soon post another piece of 'original gold' that I have. This one of lesser grade, more marks, more heavily toned and no obvious hairlines. Also, a very interesting coin.

I've put these coins in a Signature set I've started that I'm simply calling 'Michael's Gold'. It's just an endeavor of mine to buy some nice looking gold. Can't do everything at once, and I just can't seem to tear myself away from those darn Busties!