Which Would You Choose?

A VG coin that is totally natural and has no problems or a coin with EF-AU details and has been dipped, cleaned or has scratches.

 

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Personally, the VG over a problem coin. A problem coin will always be a problem coin.

 

A details coin isn't always a problem coin. If you collect large cents, or any older copper, bust halves, or most early silver dollars, chances are extremely great the coin has been cleaned at some time, probably multiple times. If you find one thats hasn't been, you're in an elite group of collectors who have unlimited funds, especially if you aim to assemble a complete set of uncleaned examples, which as far as I know is impossible.

So, depending on the series and the coin, a lot of time I have no choice, as there are no choices. One just has to pick the best impaired coins they can.
Guy

 

I had always read "never clean a coin", so I assumed all cleaned coins were "problem" coins. Can there be exceptions to this rule?

 

Thats a good rule, but unfortunately people in the late 1700's and early 1800's didn't know any better or didn't care, which is why a lot of older coins have mostly been cleaned. I guess thats the exception...just don't follow their lead.
Guy

 

What kind of examples would be a "details coin" that is not a problem coin?

 

I agree with you on this one, depending on the type or series there may be only limited options.. Generally, I would choose the no problem coin over the altered one. As stated, some problem coins will always be just that, a problem..

 

Would you call this 1928 Peace dollar a "problem coin"?

 

I would think the "improperly cleaned" (what is proper cleaning?) designation would make it a problem coin. It looks nice though. The date is rare, too.

 

I would have
a vf coin.

 

I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I had something as key of a date that had a label of "improperly cleaned". It's a negative stigma that I personally think would make owning that coin unfulfilling. I would certainly take a coin with original skin, even in a lower grade.

 

How about this 1928? Is it a problem coin?

 

VG if we are talking about the same date an mintmark. If you are talking a VG common coin and an Ultra Rarity details coin, I'll take the details coin.

 

Is this 1846-O Seated Liberty 50c a problem coin?

 

Problem or not, I can tell it has been dipped.

 

Couldn't have said it better my self, natural coins all the way

 

What about this 1834 Bust half dollar? Would you be ashamed to own this?

 

Which 1916 Barber dime would you rather have?

 

Depends on what those two 1916 dimes look like in hand. I agree it depends on the type of coin(and date) and what it looks like. There are some large cent dates where middle to high grade problem free coins are affordable. You can also look at PCGS and NGC bust halves and you will see some in genuine or details holders that look nicer than some of those with grades. It becomes a tpg decision on what is market acceptable.

 

Vg coin. I just cant spend a lot of money on a coin I know is a problem coin and will never really get appreicated as much by me