Going through dead uncles attic found coins

Thanks!

 

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Did you consider sending it into PCGS or NGC conservation services to try and clean the coin to see if it will then grade higher?

 

I thought about it... but my thoughts on collecting coins and the knowledge of coin collecting started when I started this thread...

Is conservation services a good thing?

Does\can it hurt the coin?

Are there any negatives about it?

Would the pros do something like this?

Don't forget... few weeks ago I would have just cleaned it myself and not paid for it.

 

This is the type of coin that is best to leave it alone as many, myself included, will appreciate its originality. I would be afraid that a conservation service might dip it, and that would kill the value and appeal IMHO. Others may feel differently. Moreover, the only thing I would have suggested would be to dip the coin in acetone which is effectively inert in this context to remove any dirt or grime by soaking. Since it is in the slab, it is best to leave it there.

 

@Tom B has seen it in hand. I'd ask his opinion. He did say it was heavily coated in gunk.

 

The coin facts are on a previous page, its not that bad imho, but what do I now.

 

Gunk is good! Your previous "conservation" suggestion would likely seriously and negatively affect the liquidity for a certain pool of potential buyers while guaranteeing no positive outcome. I strongly suggested the surfaces of the coin be left alone.

 

There you go. I'd never go against the word of TomB

 

I think the important thing about this thread is not finding a $11,000 coin as "hidden treasure." The thing that impressed me most was the way Tom acted with honesty, integrity, and good advice. So many folks are too ready to jump to conclusions (sometimes myself, included), and assume things about a coin situation. Tom was patient, caring, and gave the OP great advice. What newbies often need is direct, unselfish, clear advice on dealing with a potential rare coin, as the only expertise they have is the internet, and we all know how reliable it is. There are a few people here that I would likewise trust with a situation like that, and it is important for new collectors, or finders of "buried treasure" to get good advice, and follow the opinion of experts, who have nothing to gain or lose off of the situation, but just want to help.

 

Well said @Morgandude11

 

I gotta say...

When I talked to Tom, I stated how he was direct, firm if you will, we laughed about it, no harm done, in fact, just the opposite. He and others were and still are a huge help.
There could have been opportunities to change the outcome of this whole thing and who knows what would have happened.

At least now, the coin sits on a PCGS holder and I cant slip it into a soda machine and buy a coke.

What's really weird to me... is I grew up in a restoration shop working on classics... polishing, waxing, shining all kinds of metals, paints etc. Its only natural to me to want to make that coin as shiny and as nice as possible. Now, I a very grateful I took everyone's advice and no touched it. A can of brasso and mothers aluminum polish were within 3 feet of that coin at one point.


Thanks to everyone that I met or have used your advice. Appreciate the integrity also. There are still nice people out there.

 

Awesome thread...Awesome story...Awesome coin!

Erik

 

So glad you followed Tom's firm, but kindly expertise. He's a treasure here, and one of the true "experts" in the coin field, who not only sells coins, but collects and LOVES them as well. You were right in getting it certified, as he pushed for you to do, and now, you have a magnificent coin to collect, treasure, or sell in the future as you choose. Great coin, and wonderful story--I didn't make suggestions, as I am not that familiar with the series to make an intelligent judgement about value or genuineness, but would have also suggested certification ASAP. I kept my mouth shut, as early 19th century dimes are not my expertise.

 

If I was you I would listen to Tom. I personally like it as an AU50. If I found a coin like this I would probably consign it to an auction(and yes you can negotiate the fees) or to a dealer. I would decide how quick I would like some money - consigning to a dealer will take longer usually, but might net more money than an auction. Of course with an auction you know when it ends and when you can expect your money. Of course the risk is there that it might sell for less than expected. If not in a rush take your time and look at all your options.

 

Send it to CAC.

 

We will be doing that.

I think the route I am going to take will be to regrade it, then submit to CAC.

I don't believe it keeps the CAC sticker if we regrade AFTER.

 

Accidental double post--sorry.

 

Yes, it could easily grade lower on a regrade, unless you specify minimum grade. IMHO, do NOT regrade--just get the CAC sticker. You have a nice coin that is appropriately graded by the best in the business. If you want to do a minimum grade submission (that is, when you ask for it to be regraded ONLY if the grade is higher, otherwise it stays where it is), I would submit it to NGC and see if they have a more positive view of it. If it is left alone and gets the CAC (which is more likely than a regrade--as that would take PCGS saying that they were just wrong recently), it would be just as desirable.