I went to one of those large antique consignment malls that also had several cabinets with coins in them. I've bought a few coins there before that were in 2x2s from a dealer I know. What disturbed me was seeing some idiots who had a lot of things on their shelves, then put tape on the few coins they did have so they could hang them on the edge of the shelf. Sometimes the coins were on 2x2s, but most of them had the tape applied directly to the coin! Even though there was just one strip of tape, I still don't think I would buy a coin that had been taped. Would you?
The tape can be removed with a soak in acetone. If the seller is putting tape on them, just think of how else he might of mishandled them. Definitely not worth buying. Plus most coins in an antique store are priced way above market.
Here in Germany, I’ve received several purchases taped to a 3x5” card. Drives me nuts. I guess it depends on how long the tape is/was on there. Some acetone or even distilled water should take care of the tape, but if it’s been there a long time, it will affect Toning. I would definitely point out their folly and ask for a discount.
Okay!!! I confess. Hanging my head in shame. I actually did this loonnnnggg before I began to get serious about studying about and collecting coins. If I came across an older coin, I taped it to an index card wrote the year and mint mark on it and filed it in an index card box putting it in order according to date. (I was actually doing that on the day I noticed that my vision was not 20/20 anymore. From one day to the other I could see the date and mint marks without eye glasses and then I could not. Anyway, I digress, as usual.) They say confession cleanses the soul, but I just feel like an idiot! Well, my father always used to say "Live and learn!"
I personally wouldent buy a coin that has been taped unless there was a really good price, I mean a 2x2 shouldent cost as much as the damage that tape resedue will do to a coin unless it is a coin that is only worth a few cents.
When I was a kid (elementary school) some of my coins would fall out of the Whitman folder, so I used tape Low grade Lincolns and it wasn't there for too long before I realized my error. Never used glue on coins back them. Only stamps
Newer tape and some labels are soluble in water. So with any such attachments, start with warm water soak, if no response , then 70-90% isopropyl acohol , if no response acetone, xylene, etc. what ever your state allows sale of at a store. Rinse with acetone, allow to air dry ( I hold by rim in my hand until dry). Jim
The only reason I would have even considered these coins was there was a 20% off the listed price. Even so...
If it was listed 50% higher than market which I see all the time, then you are still paying too much.
I've received gold coins in the mail before taped down like this. On more than one occasion, from more than one seller! Ugh.
