DonaldM

My coins are at the "scheduled for grading" status. They gave the description as "1776 Georgivs 1/2p Machins Mill.  

NGC identified it as a Machins Mill coin. 

I have read that the Flying Eagle was one of the hardest coins for the mint to produce. The way the eagle stretches across with spread wings caused dies to wear out quickly, and centering was an issue. That is why the design only ran for 4 years. 

VKurtB, maybe "acid washed" is a synomyn for Improperly Cleaned? 🤔 

Hello Coinbuf. That is what I thought too looking at the pictures on Ebay, "enviromentally damaged". When I was told acid washed it made no sense to me. I heard of people dipping coins in silver jewelry cleaner, but that removes ALL corrosion. This coin isn't "bright" enough to have been dipped in cleaner. I knew it wasn't a show piece when I got it but didn't expect it to become a curiosity! LOL. 

VKurtB, sounds like it will be right up my alley! I love coins. I have been collecting a long time. Started off just buying loose coins that interested me by the date. I am a history buff so I tie the date with a historical event , like Cival War, etc. I like to imagine where the coin has been like did my 1858 Seated Liberty quarter once been in the pocket of a soldier at Gettysburg? Or maybe it was in the poker stakes pile when Wild Bill was shot in Deadwood? It's fun to me. Last few years I focus on graded and slabbed coins and building full sets. Also started acquiring paper currency. I know the history of minting, the engavers, dates minted, etc. But still lack in identifying fakes visually and visual inspection for doctored coins. I look through my loose coins and want to be able to better assess them before I submit them. 

Awesome! I have been looking into it and will join up. I seen on the website they have a live class on grading coming up next month in Orlando that I'd like to attend. Thanks again! 👍

I bought this 1876 Seated Liberty Dime on Ebay.I knew it was "rough"  by the provided pictures but got it for a decent price. I took it to my friend for his opinion and he said it had been "acid washed". Pointed out the dimples on the edges and rough surface. He tried to explain it to me but I still don't understand. Sounded like a process for shipwreck coins to remove barnacles if they stuck to precious metals.

What is acid washing and why would it ever be needed? 

VKurtB, Thanks. Good information. I didn't think about interpolation. Appreciate you bringing that to my attention. Do you belong to ANA, or taken any of their webinars? My friend at my local coin shop recommended them to me. 

Thanks VKurtB. What do you mean by "digital artifacts"? I been using my 16x loupe but eyes are going (30 years as a pipewelder). You think I would be better off using zoom on my phone versus a digital microscope? 

Recommendation for a good scale, and also anyone use a digital microscope? 

Seen digital microscopes on Amazon that piqued my interest but don't want cheap junk. What is a good brand? 

Thank you. 🙂

22 hours ago, Quintus Arrius said:

How did the person who sold you this mutation describe it to you, and, what made you acquire it?

I've only been on this forum for a week, and seems to me Ratzie33 isn't acquiring all these fakes but making them. Probably using this forum as a test run before putting it on Ebay. 

That is the wall I ran into, not a lot of information available. Besides Notre Dame article and University of Missouri article, the only other thing I found is one article by Coinweek. I appreciate the information. 👍

https://coins.nd.edu/ColCoin/ColCoinText/NYC-Vlack.html

This article from Notre Dame, who has a large collection is pretty interesting. 

Hello I.cutler.  Google James Atlee. I believe this is one of his coins. He was known for counterfeitting, and prior to working with Manchin he made 1776 dated Georgivs III half pence. 4 things his counterfiets are known for 1) very sloped forehead. 2) Bust extending to rim. 3) Ribbon stretching to the "G". 4) Extended gap between "R" and "E" in REX. I could be wrong. I will try and find the article that has a known example of his work. I used to have it saved but got a new phone a couple months ago. 

Even if I am wrong, and my wife will tell you that happens a lot, a 240 year old British counterfeit is still cool. 🙂 

VKurtB, 

Yes. After I typed my reply to you I called NGC customer service. They can solve my mystery but I got to decide if it worth expense. LOL. I paid $23 for the coin and in my research and help of my local coin shop determined that IF it is a token it is valued at $40. If it is a British Evasion it could be between $200 - $1500. Got to decide if worth the risk of spending another $100 on a possible $40 token. 🤔

Hello VKurtB. That is what the guy at fea market had it listed as. A "1776 British Half-Pence". I liked the date and the price was right so I scooped it up. When I got home I couldn't find a 1776 half-pence ever being minted, but seen a few articles about Evasion coins. 

If I submit it to NGC could they tell me what it is? 

Hello JKK. From my own research. Evasion coins are counterfit British coins used during the Revolution. Struck and cast. Here is one article: https://coins.nd.edu/ColCoin/ColCoinText/Evasion.1.html

Better pics.

Date is 1776. Bought it at a flea market a while ago. Took it to my regular coin shop to have them look at it. He said it is struck copper, King George, but wasn't sure if it would be considered a coin or token. Thoughts? 

Just Bob, sorry for delay in responding. Fell asleep. Don't mind posting pics. 

I see what you mean by hair line. Zooming in with my phone camera I see more than I do with my magnifying glass. Kills me I harmed that coin! Lesson learned, no more Youtube videos on coin care.

This a 78 rev 79. Bought on Ebay uncertified. It was doctored with fake toning. That is what I Googled to see how to clean it. The video said ti put coin in a bowl with baking soda. Add boiling water and sprinkle baking soda on it so it bubbles up. And keep repeating until its "clean". 

Thanks for information. I never used a brush or cloth. Just soaking. Surprised about acetone because I thought all chemicals were bad. I really appreciate your time and advice. Thanks. 

Hello Just Bob. Yes I did on a few of my Morgans in my New Orleans set. I am guessing it was a big mistake?