OK, So I guess I am learning more and more about coins these days as I move from all raw coins to encapsulation of some. I sent an 1871 indian head into NGC and got back "XF Details Environmental Damage". As I look at the coin under my scope I can seem some corrison spots, and they are worse on the rev than obv. I knew that before I sent it. So now what? Leave it? crack it open and Conserve it? Clean it? regrade it? In general its eye appeal is pleasing and much like any other BN XF coin. This is not a beater coin. I just feel like the "Details" grade could be so detrimental to the coins value (not that I am selling) I almost don't want the coin anymore. So if a "details" grade does not determine value, how do you? PS I got some of my other coins back with detials grades. One was "altered color". I guess that means dipped? One other was "scratches" on a Fine coin. I don't get it. It's Fine not MS why would scratches be required to mention? thanks
Well a few things. First with your details graded coin, just keep it in the plastic. It does affect the coin's value, it is damaged. Don't crack it out, and definitely do not clean it yourself. Secondly, altered color can mean artificially toned. Meaning chemicals, heat, or other elements were put to the coin, by human, to create coloring that isn't natural to the coin. When a coin is dipped, the color can be affected, but rarely does and will it warrant 'altered' color from a TPG. Third, scratches and marks are two different things. Surface marks are just that, on the surface, and they are caused from typical circulation. Scratches are considered damage, they are deeper than the surface, no grade of coin should have deep scratches, just because the coin is Fine, doesn't mean it should have scratches. Hope that helps.
If the coin does not please you to have, then replacing it will probably be best, otherwise , each time you see it, you will have the same pain. I would sell it in the holder, it at least is genuine and xf details. The buyer can decide if the ED is severe enough as they bid. Many would be interested if the eye appeal is good, but expect a lowered value depending on the degree of damage. Generally if over dipped, it gets altered surface, altered color usually means AT, retoning after cleaning, etc. and sometimes it is because "it could have been in their opinion" ( TPG are tough on color that doesn't appear a normal variation). The "scratches" is because they thought the depth, amount, even brightness of the edge of the scratch implied damage rather than wear. Sorry about the reports, but you can view other peoples PCGS results if they clicked to share them. It may give you hope as many are similar to yours probably. I like to look occasionally to see what grades are being given http://www.pcgs.com/membership/Shared.aspx Jim
What now ? There realy isn't a what now. Once damage is done there is no fixing it. You say yourself that you knew that the coin had corrosion damage before you sent it in. So I guess my question to you would be why did you expect them to put it in a regular slab in the first place ? It definitely is detrimental to the coins value. And about the only way you can determine that value is to check auction results for similarly damaged coins.
early 1870's indians It's more common than not to find an early 1870's Indian Head Cent with corrosion or environmental damage on it than to find a problem free one. Just search 1872 Indian on Ebay and you'll find about 100 damaged/corroded ones, 10 cleaned ones, and 5 that 'might be' problem free. I remember reading somewhere that the US mint changed blank planchet suppliers around this time and they proved prone to corrosion over time. It makes the hunt for a nice problem free one (even in grade F) all the harder and more fun.
All very good points. In the end it OK. I started a Full VF/XF indian cent collection about 20 years ago. It has been a lot of fun, and it is still not done. (case in point my 1877 is VG8). So on I will go. Thanks
