You ever buy a problem coin just because it's what you could afford?

Removed through die polishing.

 

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I have in the past, but I do try to stay away from them now.
The ones I have now are usually fund in change.

 

I own a few problem coins, but only when it takes a good long hunt to see the issue.

 

Thanks. I just looked up the die states and all three are late die states with the missing strands.

 

Sometimes it is the only way to afford a coin - so yes I have a few that would be details. Just in case Tom Deck is reading - hope you do not mind I used your pictures.

 

I've definitely bought problem coins with the intention of upgrading later if I found a better example, when the problem coin was the only example I could find of a specific type, date, or die state.

When I was looking for a draped bust quarter for type, I came across an 1805 example in an NGC VG Details Damaged slab. The obverse was a nice problem-free Choice VG. The reverse had an area of damage that went across the coin but it looked like "honest" damage with VG to F details in the other areas. The coin didn't look like it had been deliberately messed with or cleaned, and overall it had an original and attractive look.

Price-wise, the seller was asking significantly less than I would have expected to pay for even a problem-free AG3. I consider an AG level of wear on that type to be a significantly greater problem than some honest damage on a Choice VG original coin, especially considering the age and scarcity, so it was an easy decision for me. I have never regretted it and have enjoyed the coin since.

 

A much bigger issue than "problem" coins are all the fakes being sold.