First Gold Coin Purchase, Is It Cleaned?

[Daikon Panic]

Hi all, I bought my first gold coin. It arrived today and I like it but I'm having trouble deciding if it is cleaned. There isn't much cartwheeling effect except around the edge of the coin. I'd like to send it off to be graded but don't want to end up with a "problem coin".

Thank you.

[SensibleSal66]

It's hard to tell from a few Pics . However, I see some streaky lines on the reverse which lead me to think, Cleaned . The Obverse looks grainy .

[Triple C]

Congratulations on your first gold coin...Nice buy!
I agree with SensibleSal66 about determining if your coin has been cleaned at some point, based on pictures posted. However, unless you are planning to return the coin you already have it in hand, problem coin or not. We all have different reasons for submitting to a grading party not sure what is yours. If yours is to determine if it is cleaned, I would recommend you take it to your LCS first for a first hand opnion.

[Daniel]

This coin has been cleaned and I hope you purchased this from a reputable dealer. I am not trying to scare you but there's a lot of fakes out there. Send it off would at least tell you if it was authentic.

[Daikon Panic]

Thank you Daniel and everyone else for your opinion. I'm returning the coin, I need to be more careful.

I guess the pictures on the eBay listing were too good to be true! Should probably just buy pre-1933 gold that has already been graded, but the premiums are just so high sometimes! Live and learn.

[italycoins]

I think the color difference is due to a different exposure of the light to the photo camera and also used a different angle. Byeee

[Daniel]

I think the color difference is due to a different exposure of the light to the photo camera and also used a different angle. Byeee

I am 100% certain the coin has been cleaned. I would stake my reputation on this coin being cleaned.

[Earle42]

I agree totally with Daniel about this one being cleaned. My very first thought was the lifelessness of it.

Should probably just buy pre-1933 gold that has already been graded, but the premiums are just so high sometimes!

This is a smart idea when starting out. But just remember that trusted dealers can be a good source as well without needing to be slabbed. I know this guy named Daniel.....

Seriously though. Never get the idea that the companies have some sort of magic and superhuman abilities with coins. They DO have a lot of practice, but they also make a lot of mistakes as well. What saves thme is they ave a huge market base that believes the companies are THE experts and undeniably cannot, and should not, be questioned. Some are willing to fight tooth and nail for the company "reputations."

This is NOT a slam on the companies. It is saying make sure you have a real understanding of what and who they are. Also realize their level of skill is very obtainable by anyone who loves the hobby and enjoys learning.

And no...I am NOT saying I have their skills in some areas. Such as I have never looked into grading Buffalo nickels, V-nickels, large cents, and many other coin varieties which I have not specifically collected. They handle more of those than I have ever had the chance to, and therefore they have a much better idea of grading these.

However, once a person starts to specialize, and uses their examples and others, a person can start finding all sort of questionable things from the companies. They are only human!

And...no coin NEEDS to be slabbed unless you just like them this way (and selling a slabbed coin can make more profit sometimes). After all, the hobby was around for a long time before slabbing ever existed.