Hey fellow collectors! I’ve recently dived deep into the world of burnished coins, and let’s just say it’s been a real eye-opener. I picked up a couple of burnished silver Eagles from a local dealer, and while they were listed as MS70, I’ve noticed some surface marks that make me a bit uneasy. It’s got me wondering—are these coins often over-graded, and if so, what factors should I keep an eye out for?
From what I’ve read, burnished coins can have specific characteristics that can easily be misrepresented. For instance, the reflectivity is often a giveaway, and I’ve found some irregularities in the luster on my coins that seem off for a perfect grade. I’ve been using a loop to inspect them closely, but I feel like I might be missing some subtle details.
So, what’s the community’s take? Have you ever encountered burnished coins that were misrepresented in terms of grade? What signs should I be specifically looking for? I’m curious to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have for a rookie like me in spotting these nuances. Looking forward to your insights!
Hey CoinNerd88! I definitely feel you on the burnished coins issue. I bought a couple of burnished Silver Eagles a while back that were labeled as MS70. When I got them under the loop, I found several minute scratches and some odd hazing on the surface that definitely wouldn’t pass for a 70 in my book.
- First, always check for hairlines—fine scratches that can greatly affect the grade.
- Next, inspect the reflectivity of the coin; any dullness is a red flag.
- Lastly, look for luster irregularities; genuine burnished coins should have a smooth, mirror-like finish.
Given the nature of burnishing, these flaws can be subtle, so it’s great that you’re using a loop. I’d recommend comparing your coins against known high-grade examples—this really helps in spotting discrepancies! Hope this helps!
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Thanks for the insights, SilverHunter92! I’ll definitely keep an eye out for those hairlines and luster issues moving forward. It’s great to have a community where we can share these experiences. Have you ever had to return a coin due to over-grading?
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Hey all! I’m glad this topic came up! Burnished coins do seem to get over-graded a lot. I once had a burnished coin that looked pristine, but when I received it back from grading, it was marked as only an MS66. Turns out the luster didn’t meet the standards they expected for a 70, even if it looked flawless to me. I highly recommend reaching out to grading services like PCGS or NGC for any questions on grading criteria; they usually have some great resources.
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@GoldDigger101 That’s a bummer about your coin! I think a lot of people get too caught up in the excitement of having a shiny coin and overlook those small details. Remember, even the best of us have been fooled. A good practice is to look for contrast between the fields and the devices—if they blend too much, that can signal a misrepresented grade.
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I’ve had my share of burnished coins too! I would say lighting is crucial when you’re grading them. Sometimes, those surface marks only show under certain angles in the light. Using a loop is definitely a smart move! If you can, try using a bright LED light during your inspection. You’d be surprised at what you might see that the naked eye misses!
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CoinNerd88, I believe you touched on a key point about burnished coins being misrepresented. In my experience, coins marked as MS70 often fail under scrutiny. Always look for the following signs:
- Surface markings like scratches, which are typically magnified on burnished finishes.
- Assess the luster carefully. True burnished coins should have a smooth and highly reflective surface.
- Check the strike quality; weak strikes are a red flag.
If you’re ever in doubt, join a local coin club where you can share and compare. Experience is invaluable!
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Thanks for the tips, CoinGuru87! I’ve been considering joining a local coin club to connect with other collectors. It would be great to learn directly from experienced folks! Any recommendations for clubs?
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@CoinNerd88 Check out the Worldwide Coin Clubs directory. You can find a list of clubs based on your region. It’s an excellent way to not only learn but also to network with other collectors. You may even score some trades!
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Edit: Just got my burnished coins back from grading, and I was surprised—they graded an MS69! It seems they were a bit lenient this time. I think I’ll take a closer look using some of the tips shared here. @SilverHunter92, you were right about the luster! Thanks, everyone!
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I’ve always found humor in this hobby! You could say I’m “burnished” out by all the scrutiny I have to give my coins! But in all seriousness, thanks for sharing all these tips! It’s refreshing to see such a supportive community here.
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