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自然之韵——流通硬币的灵性所在 Natural Rhythm: The Soul of Circulated Coins
用金属制作而成的流通硬币，自造币厂出来的那时起，便因自身属性，必定要踏入流转的归途，经受自然环境和流通环节的影响，最终，大多数流通硬币走向磕碰、磨损、锈蚀的结局。然而，也有一些硬币，并未实质性进入流通，被较好地保存下来，虽然也会有氧化、雾化、色变的现象，但是，出厂原始状态的本色依旧，微微的岁月痕迹中透露着自然的韵味，彰显着独特的魅力。比如，下面的这枚1950年铸造的杰斐逊5美分硬币。 Circulation coins, crafted from metal, embark on their destined journey of exchange the moment they leave the mint. Due to their inherent nature, they inevitably endure the effects of natural environments and the wear of circulation, with most eventually succumbing to scratches, abrasions, and corrosion.However, some coins never truly enter circulation and are preserved in relatively good condition. Though they may exhibit slight oxidation, toning, or discoloration, their original mint-state luster remains largely intact. The subtle traces of time lend them a natural charm, highlighting their unique allure.For example, the 1950 Jefferson Nickel (5-cent coin) shown below.
虽历经七十余载，币面油膜趋于浓重、彩光变化，但仍保留未流通的原始状态，币面图案锐利、底板完整，几无氧化与磕碰，整体光泽明亮、油润柔和，色变过渡自然，尤其是币面上，金黄、紫红、翠绿三色相映，似万山红遍，如层林尽染。如此油画般的硬币，怎能不让人惊叹自然的神奇？然而，如果看到下面几枚杰斐逊5美分硬币时，不知又会是怎样的感受呢？ Though over seven decades have passed, the coin's surface has developed a rich, toned patina with shifting iridescence, yet it retains its original mint-state quality. The design remains sharply detailed, the fields impeccably preserved, with virtually no oxidation or contact marks. Its overall luster is vibrant yet softly lustrous, and the color transitions flow naturally—especially where golden amber, deep magenta, and emerald hues interplay across the surface, evoking autumn forests ablaze with crimson and gold. How could such a painterly coin not inspire awe at nature's alchemy?Yet one wonders: What marvels might the following Jefferson Nickels (5-cent coins) reveal?
其实，看完了图片，也就无需再赘述什么，因为，“美感”这个词似乎与图中4枚币无缘，与第一枚币更是有着天壤之别。由此，我们是否看到了原状态的自然是硬币的灵性所在？是硬币收藏价值及附加值的真实体现？如果以下面的两枚币为例，虽然品种相同，左边这枚是首年发行的，比右边的还早了12年，但是，在价格相同的情况下两选其一，您选择哪一枚呢？ Truth be told, after seeing the images, no further explanation is needed—because the word 'aesthetic' seems utterly disconnected from these four coins, especially in stark contrast to the first one. Does this reveal that a coin’s true spirit lies in its natural, unaltered state? Is this the real essence of its collectible value and added worth? Take the two coins below as an example: though they’re the same type, the left one is a first-year issue, predating the right by 12 years. Yet, if priced identically, which would you choose?
然而，人们对世界万物的认知毕竟是有所不同的，甚至是截然相反的，有道是：萝卜白菜各有所爱。对于硬币的原状态，更是持有不同的观点，或者嗤之以鼻。尤其是分数在某种程度上体现硬币市场价值的情况下，为了获得更高的评级分数，有的收藏者在送评之前，不惜放弃币的原状态，也要将币面擦拭一番，那样才觉得心满意足。于是，我们也就会在硬币上看到以下情形： Yet people’s perceptions of the world inevitably differ—sometimes radically. As the saying goes, 'One man’s meat is another man’s poison.' This holds especially true for a coin’s original state: some cherish it, others dismiss it outright. Particularly when grading scores influence market value, certain collectors, desperate for higher ratings, will polish their coins before submission, sacrificing originality for perceived perfection. Only then do they feel satisfied. Consequently, we encounter the following scenarios on coins:
图所显示：传世包浆变成了“大花脸”，原状态的币面留下了擦拭痕迹。对此，这些硬币的送评者肯定是不会介意的，否则，也就不会有这种情形的出现。同样，一些收藏者也未必在意硬币是否经过后期人为处理，分数在那里摆着，是不是原状态也就无所谓了。然而，擦拭造成的原包浆严重损伤、人为处理痕迹遗留的现状已成事实。这种经后期人工“雕琢”过的硬币，又怎能与本文的第一枚币相提并论呢？不过，事物总是辩证的。后期人为养护、人工包浆虽然破坏了一些硬币的原状态，但也加速了原状态流通硬币现有存量的消耗，让仍保持原状态的流通硬币更加弥足珍贵。 The images reveal how original toning has been transformed into a 'mottled mess,' with cleaning marks left on the coin’s surface. Clearly, the submitters had no qualms about this—otherwise, such damage wouldn’t exist. Likewise, some collectors may overlook post-mint alterations as long as the grading score shines; originality becomes secondary. Yet the reality remains: harsh cleaning has irreparably harmed the original patina, leaving artificial traces. How can such artificially 'enhanced' coins compare to the first coin discussed in this article?However, duality exists. While artificial maintenance or retoning compromises originality, it also accelerates the depletion of surviving original-state coins in circulation. In doing so, it inadvertently elevates the rarity—and thus the value—of those still preserved in their pristine, unaltered form.
本文的陈述，无意去改变他人的看法，更不想去改变他人的做法。只是依据事实，阐明除了分数之外，状态也是一枚好币的重要组成条件之一，我们（荐藏评估）之所以坚持“分数+状态”的评估（再评级）理念，只是强调：分数与状态的有机统一，能够使一枚好币的品相状态更优秀、更完美，倡导的是好中选好，优中选优，而不是以之蔽之。 The assertions in this article are not intended to alter anyone’s perspective, nor to dictate their actions. They simply present factual observations: beyond numerical grades, a coin’s condition is equally vital to its quality. Our 'Grade + Condition' evaluation philosophy—applied consistently in certification and re-grading—emphasizes this principle: the harmonious integration of grade and condition elevates a coin’s overall appeal, striving for excellence within excellence. It is not about reductionism, but about refining discernment: selecting the finest among the fine. | 
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