Problem Coins

So tell me, is it better to buy a VF20 coin with a minor problem, or a problem-free AG3 coin?

 

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Depends on the coin and the collector and by a minor problem what are we talking a light cleaning a a dinger ?? really their is no cut and dry it could go either way based on the rarity the coin and many other factors !!

 

problem free

 

Depends on your reason for purchasing the coin. Are you going for it just for collecting purposes? Reselling?

Problem coins in my opinion should not receive a grade if submitted to a TPG, as the "problem" prevents the coin from being assessed normally.

 

I don't sell any of my coins. I did make a trade a while ago.

 

It's just that I have my share of "problem" coins, but I think they look nicer than coins so heavily worn that you can barely read them, even if they are problem-free.

 

if your buying without thought of resale then its your personal preferance, if you think that you may sell it someday then problem free is the way to go..IMO

 

Then that is your opinion, and if you happen to think that higher grade problem coins are more appealing than lower grade problem-free coins, that is perfectly fine as every collector has different tastes.

 

Yes, I'm beginning to understand that defects are not popular.

 

Thank you. I inherited some coins, some with minor defects, and I have collected and bought some with minor defects. They didn't used to bother me, but I've since learned that people notice those defects.

 

Centsdimes, You like many others start out and say they will never sell. Sometime you may need too or want to sell. Either for money needed or change of collecting goals.

This is when when you will come to regret being frugal and trying to save a few dollars by buying problem coins and may discourage your future collecting, by seeing a substantial loss in time and money. But nobody can answer that but you

 

My goal is to fill my large cent collection. I would only sell coins if I had to. I have to work with a fairly tight budget, so I can't do this with top quality coins. Still, I like to keep my coins at or above G4.

Sometimes it's hard to tell if something is major enough to be called a "defect." It is also true that an F-12 with a minor defect looks better to me than a problem-free coin that is terribly worn, even if it is worth less. Also, I had a lot of coins in my possession before I even realized that minor defects were important.

 

I think your confusing "top quality" with High grade.
It doesnt matter what grade you can afford, buy quality for the grade. If its a G4 large cent make sure its a quality G4 not a substandard G4, It goes for any grade if your buying MS66's or F12's

 

It seems to me that a problem-free G4 is considered an F12. No?

 

No

 

No , there's quite a difference if they are both problem free coins . I have some Detail coins that I like a lot and then there's some I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole . Once you've been collecting and get to a certain level of knowledge you can make that call . At your level , which we've all been at , I'd stick with problem free . Better yet if you can save the money to buy a problem free coin in the condition you'd really like .

 

But time is running out on me, at age 60. I'd like to get that large cent collection filled up while I'm young enough to enjoy it.

 

Myself I would much prefer a coin with the better detail and minor issue then and AG3. Ok maybe in the end the AG3 might end up worth more but honestly how can you enjoy a slug with a few scribbles that I see most AG3 coins as?

 

I was born in '53 too , if we take care of ourselves there's no reason that we shouldn't see at least another 20-30 years . God willing .