After advice...what does this description mean?

[evansuk2000]

I'm looking at bidding on an 1821 Crown - the auction description is:

Crown 1821 SECUNDO ESC 246 EF and lustrous with some contact marks, the portrait frosted

Specifically the line 'the portrait frosted'...is this an artificial process that would decrease the value such as cleaning...or a desirable characteristic which is natural?

Link to coin: http://www.londoncoins.co.uk/?searchlot=1883&searchtype=2&page=Catalogue

Thanks in advance!

[evansuk2000]

Pics here:

Edited June 6, 2015 by evansuk2000

[Garrett]

Hi Evan

I think the line 'the portrait frosted' just means an attribute of the coin like 'R under the date'. I have a 1689 halffcrown coin with part of it 'frosted'.

There are wiser heads on this forum then me though, so you may get more informed answers soon, soon as they get out of bed

Looks like a nice coin to me ! Doesn't look cleaned, auction shops will usually spell it out clear if a coin has been cleaned.

I have one of these, a nice coin, albeit in a slightly lower grade.

cheers Garrett.

[Colin G.]

Normally the reference to a frosted portrait is a feature where the dies may have been sandblasted and then when the die is subsequently polished those areas in relief remain somewhat frosted (showing the sandblasting). Similar to the feature applied to many modern day proofs, and often described as "cameo" over the pond in the USA. That is how I would interpret the description, in that it is a coin showing a visual difference between smooth fields and the portrait. I would see it being highlighted as a positive feature not something that would necessarily detract

[copper123]

MMMMMMMmmmm lovely coin fantastic rev shame about the light marks on the obverse

Very desirable

Edited June 6, 2015 by copper123