I see many references to this topic but I have not yet found much info regarding the actual value differences. I'm certain some folks here can offer a little guidance.... I don't yet have anything Details graded but I'm considering it for certain coins that may otherwise be out of my type set budget. For example, I have looked at a few "Details Cleaned" IHCs recently but I'm not sure how to value them compared to a straight grade. I find little logic and lots of inconsistencies by looking at completed ebay auctions. Hypothetical Question: 2 near identical 190X IHCs. One is a low MS straight grade and the other is Unc Details Cleaned. Visually, both appear to be the same grade and have equal eye appeal. If the book value and asking price of the straight grade is $100, what would be a reasonable value for the details coin? I'm already aware of the standby 'whatever someone is willing to pay' response and I'm hoping for something a little more definitive regarding 2 otherwise equal coins. Thoughts please !
All problem coins are different. Some problem coins are more severe than others, and eye appeal varies GREATLY. There are just so many factors that go into it which explains why pricing is so sporadic. One "Details - Cleaned" Coin is usually different than another. The nicer looking one goes for more, uglier for less. There is no flat rate percentage for prices on details coins. It truly is a "pay what you want to pay" scenario. With that said, I'd always go with a straight grade coin if given the option. Especially if an MS grade were part of the question. Are the coins you are considering online or in person? Sometimes a cleaned coin can look relatively normal online, but shockingly different in person.
Considering a low MS graded $100 coin vs a details "UNC" coin, I would think $40 - $90 depending on the appearance of the defect and the depth of desire of the buyer to have an authenticated coin.
As far as I am concerned "UNC-details" is AU58 in terms of the price I will pay. That's how my local dealer sells them too.
You did not define what coin is in question, but to me an “Unc. details” coin is worth less than an AU-58. I have paid low end Unc. money for a really attractive AU-58, and I am not alone. Usually I am talking about a “big coin” that is worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. Improperly cleaned coins, which often have hairlines from the cleaning. That is a big problem that never goes away. Your dealer might have the “Unc. details” AU-58 pricing for retail transactions, but what about when he’s buying? Most dealers I know are not paying that kind of money for problem coins.
The question comes up from time to time, I've asked it before, too. So many factors, but I'll say 50% on average, but the higher the mintage the bigger the cut and vice versa.
Ah yeah I think he definitely buys them at less than AU58. Depending on the condition of course. If it's like a $50 Humbert Gold piece that says "Unc Details" I think he would pay very well for it due to just how popular those pieces are in ANY condition. I've seen them sell for 5 digits even with big problems. But most coins don't apply to that kind of exception.
I know this isn't the exact answer you're looking for, but I do not buy details slabbed coins. I too am working on a type set with the objective of having all problem free coins. Ill settle for a lower grade. In your case if they were the same money i would rather have an xf straight grade Indian than an unc details. I'm done with problem coins.
Daniel (owner of Portsmouth Coins) once told me: “A problem coin is a problem to get rid of.” I trust him so I try not to buy problem coins unless it’s a coin I couldn’t afford in any straight grade. Like a $50 gold Humbert piece. 2.5 troy oz of pure gold in those babies. Just the melt price is insane. Not to mention numismatic value.
