Is this coin cleaned?

[numismatic nut]

I think this coin has been cleaned, but I have been known to look at things too hard. What do you think?

[REMOVED PIC]

[bobh]

I think this coin has been cleaned, but I have been known to look at things too hard. What do you think?

I don't see any obvious signs of cleaning such as hairline scratches, uneven or splotchy toning, or discoloration. Hard to say just going by pictures, though. But maybe you can look at the coin in person with magnification? What tips you off that it might have been cleaned?

 

There is certainly a lot of detail, but too much wear to grade it AU -- I would say it's probably a very choice EF. Very nice coin (assuming that it hasn't been cleaned!)

[just carl]

I say not cleaned or at least not for a long, long time. Way to much dirt and stuff around all the letters and numbers.

[Mark Stilson]

I don't see any parallel lines what would show a harsh cleaning. To me it looks like original skin.

 

All in all it looks like a nice original coin.

[hiho]

Looks unmolested to me.

[bobh]

Here's a nice uncirculated or high-end AU example (1878) with similar patina from the online shop at Künker (http://www.kuenker.de):

 

As you can see, there is darker patina in the protected areas closest to the raised devices. That's the way it should look.

 

(Edit: the description says it is actually a proof!)

[Drusus]

I think it has probably been cleaned in the past but not harshly... and thats all that matters.

[Scottishmoney]

I think "cleaned" might be a bit of an overstatement, but I believe it has been very lightly wiped at some point in the distant past. I would not hold that against the piece, it is still attractive and collectable. That said, I believe there are many coins residing in MS grade TPG holders that have been very lightly wiped also.