I submitted a coin to NGC and the graders suggested that I get it sent to NCS for conservation. So, I agreed and the grade online shows a note of "Stained". Obviously, something is stained on the coin, i.e. discoloration on the coin's surface which is more or less permanent, since NCS can't properly remove it without further damage. So, how bad is a stained grade compared to all of these other details grades? I'd think that it's not as bad in the minds of collectors as, say, a polished or an improperly cleaned coin. And obviously, any details grade detracts from the relative desirability of the coin compared to a non-details coin. Would it be similar in view as an Environmental Damage coin, assuming that the magnitude of the damage is similar (i.e. area of damage, severity of damage, etc.)? Thanks in advance!
Their definition of Stained differs from environmental damage because although it it something adhering to the surface, it didn't damage the surface.
Post a photo when you get it back. What is the coin made of? USUALLY, the only stains that do not come off are the whitish-gray seen on silver.
If you couldn't tell it was stained before submitting, it will probably hold value quite a bit better than more obvious damage.
@iPen, posted: "I submitted a coin to NGC and the graders suggested that I get it sent to NCS for conservation. So, I agreed and the grade online shows a note of "Stained". Obviously, something is stained on the coin, i.e. discoloration on the coin's surface which is more or less permanent, since NCS can't properly remove it without further damage." The member's coin was unattractive. THAT'S WHY NGC SUGGETED NCS. Unfortunately, they could not remove it.
Stained would be a major detraction in eye appeal which would hit the value hard, perhaps even more than cleaning. At least a cleaned coin can still be attractive. It would depend on how bad the staining is. Every problem coin is unique, hence the inability to assign a numerical grade.
Here's the coin below. I've seen this dark ring before on other old coins... Is it a carbon "ring" as opposed to a carbon spot? But, it's stained as NCS couldn't remove it. I'm unsure what actually caused it on such an old coin. The grade is: XF Details Stained. Otherwise, it would have graded as XF... anyway, it almost just looks like tarnish. Do you think it's generally unattractive or ok? Thanks in advance!
IMO, this is the type of black crud that can be removed as it does not look like corrosion. However, the coin would be even more unattractive if it were removed. Also, take this comment to the bank: NCS is a business. They would loose sooooo much time and money working on it! Finally some tough love: decided best to . Enjoy your historical coin!!! Too bad it is slabbed as it would be fun for you and your friends to hold some actual pirate money.
I'm seeing that as typical end-stage toning/corrosion, and would flatly refuse to attempt to conserve it if asked. No way to do so without leaving a plainly cleaned coin.
Stupid slabs, anyways I think the obverse is attractive, even with the "stains". No pic of the reverse?
