Equal time for NGC, a PCGS questionable IH

[shylock]

From the same Heritage Atlanta Signature auction as the NGC 1866 from my "Dark Ages" post, a PCGS MS66RB.

 

Not nearly as bad looking as the 1866 -- at first appearance -- but something about this coin makes you wonder. I can almost live with the deep spot in the ear lobe on a 66 graded coin. But the birthmark at 12:30 of the reverse is strange, and keeps it below 66 by itself. Even stranger is the same dark toning at 10:30 of the reverse rim. A die crack defines the bottom edge of this toning. My suspect mind makes me wonder if the ridge of the die crack prevented a thorough rinse of this coin. Pure conjecture, but you have to admit it's strange that the toning ended right at the crack and the wreath spotted in this area.

 

 

Original or not, it's not the type of key date I'd pay 66RB money for.

 

You generally find these types of IH lots in Heritage's spring and fall auctions these days. They have too many auctions and not enough quality coins to fill out their catelogs. They fill in the blanks with generic stock that didn't sell on their website.

 

In the past some Heritage Long Beach and Central States shows featured some great IH's and some major collections. Lately these have been saved for the FUN and ANA auctions exclusively. Those are the only true "Signature" auctions these days for IH collectors.

[goose3]

Paul, not to hijack your thread totally but I am assuming you've seen the alleged "thick" and "thin" MM's on the 1909s IHC.

 

what are your thoughts on those?

 

Personally I don't see it and think people are trying too hard to come up with varieties these days.

[michael]

[James_OldeTowne]

At MS-66, and if those images are accurate, the coin bites. I would pass period.

 

James