Dear Collectors, I recently went to a dealer. I came across this Indonesia 100 Rupiah 1960 which is relatively rare in UNC condition. The seller has both in original VF and washed UNC (the seller did inform that the UNC is washed). Both are selling at the same price. Just wonder, if you are planning to get a (pretty rare) note and you have the 2 notes available at the same price: 1) VF condition - original & has not been washed 2) UNC condition - washed Which one would you take and why? To me, this is an interesting question since many people/collectors avoid buying washed banknote. Thank you. Best regards
I would almost always select the original note. It's easier to sell when the time comes (even if I'm dead and it's my heirs, that day always comes).
Hi lettow, Thanks for your reply. To be honest, the washed UNC is still very attractive. There is only slight bleached spots visible on the corner but not very obvious. However, when you try to hold the paper, it is still quite firm and when you try to shake the paper vertically, it still has that crisp sound - i.e. the so called "live" that we use to describe original attractive note. If you view it under the light, the surface of the note is smooth without any folds. The color for both notes (washed UNC vs original VF), when compared side by side, is equally attractive with your naked eyes (this note has very beautiful colorful image on the back). Hi mikenoodle, Thanks for your reply. It's interesting you still would select the original one. Hi all, When I think of it, this is pretty interesting especially when most people would still select the original VF given that the price, according to traditional understanding, (washed note would have it's original grade lower by one grade and in this case, the note originally probably AU or XF+ to achieve such grade after washing) should still be at XF or VF+ which is definitely better than the unwashed original VF note but overall appearance when you see both of them side by side, the washed UNC is so much more attractive. Just in case if any of you would like to know how the note looks like -> https://www.ma-shops.com/deruiter/item.php5?id=4342&lang=en Note that the link above is just a reference (cause I don't have any pictures of the notes I described above) and has nothing to do with the notes I described above. Best regards
I would for sure stick with an original note but again I would have to see the Differences between the two, for me eye appeal is important so if you happen to have a pic of each it would be a tremendous help ( remember a picture is worth a thousand words) descriptions are nice but they cant tell the hole story.
Thanks everyone for your reply! @mpcusa, Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of it but I compare them side by side. The colour is still equally attractive. @MitchBailey, Yes I know But this is available in my local dealer and only costs 1/6 of what the GEM UNC above is selling. I personally think the washed one that i saw is even nicer because the above one does not have sharp corner anymore if you see the image properly. Again thanks for everyone input. Best regards
If that,s the case i would probably just go with the VF version as its Not altered in anyway and in original condition, people tend to shy away from cleaned or altered items.
Hi mpcusa, Thanks for your reply. I do agree with you that people tend to shy away from washed notes. Nonetheless, I am not sure if you notice but I have seen few cases in recent days on ebay that notes that are specially mentioned have been washed - well bid up to a price that almost matches the market value of the post washed grade of the note. Just my observation. May be the younger collectors are more open to washed notes. Best regards
In very simplistic terms, You need to consider: 1) eye appeal - Which one do you like the most 2) Cost 3) Liquidity - How easy is it to resell and at what price The difference in these posts is how these are prioritized. To further generalize, items in original condition are easier to sell. Items that have issues usually cost less than perfect examples in the same grade. And Eye Appeal....that's personal (just read some of the discussions on here regarding toned coins) It looks like most of the opinions you received place an emphasis on #3. Without a pic to compare, I think these opinions are reasonable. However, you've seen the notes, and are probably a lot more knowledgeable about this series than most of us, so pick the one that best fits your priorities. There are going to be trade offs, but in the end, you need to be comfortable with what you buy. Just my opinion but I hope it helps
Hello Oldhoopster, Many thanks for your input. Yes, you have exactly the 3 points that I have been considering The washed note I have seen definitely wins Point #1 & #2 (great eye appeal & inexpensive) but Point #3 not so. And I certainly agree that I need to be comfortable with what I buy! Thank you again and your opinion certainly helps! Best regards
Most people like the un altered notes, i have been selling and trading paper for Over 20 years and tha has been my experience, dont take much stock in what Ebay does, just saying
