Hairlines??

[bigmanSAM88]

When people refer to cleaned coins an mention Hairlines, what does it mean?

 

Does anyone have a picture of what cleaned hairlines look like?

 

Thanks

[bsshog40]

Here's a perfect example of a Morgan I bought and this showed up. All the little light lines that you see are hairlines due to improper cleaning!

[Wihlborg]

Hairlines are light, fine scratches that can be caused by a number of ways, but they are typically caused by wiping the surface of a coin with a cloth.

 

Hairlines are commonly confused with the lines that are caused by die polishing, however the thing to remember when trying to tell the difference is that the lines from die polishing are raised while hairlines are scratched into the surface of the coin so they will always be recessed.

 

John

[jesbroken]

The scratches from cleaning also usually run in every direction whereas die polishing lines are more orderly. JMHO.

[Wihlborg]

The scratches from cleaning also usually run in every direction whereas die polishing lines are more orderly

 

The key word in that statement is USUALLY. I have seen many cases of hairlines that only went in one direction as well as die polish that went in different directions. Personally, I would not be comfortable making a judgment call on which was which based upon the direction or directions the lines were going.

 

Just something to keep in mind.

 

John

[ldhair]

This image might help too. Keep in mind its easy to hide hairlines in an image. I took this one wanting them to show.

[WoodenJefferson]

Die polishing seen in the fields of a coin will normally stop at the rise of the devices or lettering. Polish lines or hairlines will lap up onto the devices and lettering.

 

Hairlines on proof coins can be created with a soft cloth, heavy hairlines on business struck coins can be as harsh as steel wool creates, but it's all created with a wiping or rubbing motion.

 

ldhair shows a prime example of hairlines and he also mentions the hiding of said hairlines by tilting the coin to reduce the reflected surface scratches. Also toning can hide hairlines, especially in images.

 

A very good question and well represtented answers.

[robec1347]

Here are a couple of coins with bad cleaning hairlines followed by a proof coin with die polish hairlines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Die Polish

 

 

[michael]

excellent thread and with all great

examples by the posters

 

thanks guys