1864/64 RPD (Snow-3)

[KurtS]

Here's an IHC I picked up at the last show. As you can see by the pic, it's easy to overlook an RPD in a dusty 2x2--especially if grime obscures part of the RPD. Of course, it's possible to verify w/o cleaning--never a good idea on an IHC.

Despite the somewhat fuzzy photo, the RPD/ date position markers are a sufficient match to the attribution guide (below).
This bronze 1864 grades F15

[Dick]

Kurt, I concur. The position of the date confirms the S-3. The guide indicates possible re-punching on the 8, but it is so microscopic, as to be invisible. Any die rotation? Nice pickup!
Dick

[KurtS]

Thanks--I did not notice until I got home. Yep, I'm not about to move dirt off the date to check that 8
No rotation on this coin, but I did find a 1860 with about 20 degrees. Both are coins a friend in Aus. paid me to ship his way--finding problem-free coins above VG10 was sure tough! It doesn't look like many dealers are buying new stock.

[Dick]

I don't believe in cleaning coins, either, but, my collection is never going to hit the "block", so for reasons of personal need to make a positive ID, I remove crud with soaking, and also use a thorn, when needed. It causes no damage to the patina, and so I am comfortable. The only place that had coins that are above the G/VG fgrade is on rick's site. They are a bit above my budget limitations! Now, in addition to what I have been doing, I also found a way to check the coin, without having to "dig my way in". A camera which I bought from Gary, quite a while ago, has been modified, ( the mounting structure for the scope"", and it now gives me a nice large image on the 19" screen , which now allows focusing. That allows me to see the re-punching lines, in spite of the crud. This doesn't include ALL cons. some have it so deep, a ton of TNT is needed to find the design. I have seen advertised, some equipment, (ultra sound), being used to clean the coins. Has anyone tried them out? Does anyone know if they cause any harm?
Dick