Grading the 1959 Collis Washington Born Virginia Steel Restrike: The Difference Between $10 and $1,000

Decoding the Steel Restrike: A Numismatic Detective Story

When faced with an unusual piece like this 1959 Collis Washington Born Virginia steel restrike impression, the grading process becomes a fascinating puzzle. This negative impression in steel presents unique challenges that go far beyond standard coin evaluation, requiring a keen eye for detail and deep knowledge of restrike production methods.

Material Matters: Confirming Steel Authenticity

The first critical step involves verifying the composition. As discussed in collector forums, the magnetic properties confirm this is indeed steel rather than another metal. This magnetic verification is essential for authentication and helps place the piece within the 1959 Collis restrike series, where material composition directly impacts both grade and value.

Reading the Negative: Understanding Wear Patterns

The negative impression technique creates a mirror image of the original design, fundamentally changing how we assess wear. Unlike traditional coins where high points show wear first, this steel restrike exhibits wear across the entire field simultaneously. Professional graders must carefully evaluate:

• The depth and clarity of Washington’s portrait details
• The definition of lettering and dates in the negative space
• Any deterioration in the steel matrix itself

The Graininess Conundrum

One of the most intriguing aspects mentioned in collector discussions is the granular texture visible on Washington’s bust. This unusual characteristic deviates from expected results in steel die production. When grading such anomalies, experts consider:

• Whether the graininess is original to the piece or developed over decades
• How the texture affects the overall eye appeal and aesthetic quality
• The impact on the piece’s technical grade and collectibility

Die State: Reading the Cracks

The forum discussion highlights a crack pattern starting between “O” and “R” in “Born,” extending through Washington’s hairline and shoulder. This die state information is crucial for grading because:

• Early die states typically command premium prices among collectors
• The progression of die cracks directly affects the final grade
• Professional graders use die state to authenticate and date the piece

Eye Appeal: The Subjective Factor

Beyond technical grading factors, eye appeal plays a significant role in determining value. For this steel restrike, graders evaluate:

• The contrast between the impression and the steel field
• The overall aesthetic presentation and visual impact
• Any toning or patina that may have developed over the past six decades

Applying Grading Standards

While traditional coin grading standards don’t perfectly apply to this type of piece, professional grading services like PCGS and NGC would evaluate it based on:

• Surface preservation and any contact marks
• Strike quality and depth of impression
• Any post-production damage or alterations
• Overall preservation state and originality

The Barcode Mystery

The unusual mark on the side of the steel bar, described as resembling a barcode, presents an interesting grading challenge. Professional graders would need to determine:

• Whether it’s original to the manufacturing process or added later
• If it affects the structural integrity of the piece
• How it impacts the overall grade and market value

Historical Context and Rarity

Understanding the historical context is essential for accurate grading. The 1959 Collis restrikes were produced in limited quantities, with silver versions reportedly minted in only 27 pieces. This steel restrike impression represents a different production method, possibly a test piece or hub impression. This rarity factor significantly influences its value potential and collectibility.

Professional Grading Recommendations

Based on the available information and typical grading standards, this piece would likely fall into one of these categories:

• Proof-like Specimen: If the impression shows full detail with minimal imperfections
• Choice Specimen: With some minor flaws but excellent overall preservation
• Specimen: Showing moderate wear or imperfections but still highly collectible

Authentication Considerations

Given the unusual nature of this piece, professional authentication would be crucial. Graders would look for:

• Consistency with known Collis restrike characteristics
• Verification of the steel composition through testing
• Analysis of the impression quality and technique used

Market Value Implications

The grade of this piece directly impacts its market value. A high-grade example could be worth significantly more than a lower-grade specimen, potentially ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on:

• Overall condition and preservation
• Rarity within the restrike series
• Historical significance and provenance
• Documentation and authentication

Conclusion: The Art and Science of Grading

This 1959 Collis Washington Born Virginia steel restrike impression exemplifies why professional grading is essential for unusual and rare pieces. The combination of its unique production method, the granular texture anomaly, and the mysterious side mark makes it a challenging but fascinating item to evaluate. For collectors and investors, understanding these grading nuances can mean the difference between a $10 curiosity and a $1,000 numismatic treasure.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, pieces like this remind us that the world of numismatics is full of surprises. The careful analysis of wear patterns, luster, strike quality, and eye appeal by professional graders helps preserve the integrity of the hobby and ensures that collectors can make informed decisions about their investments in historical artifacts.

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