As you can see by the title of this post, I have a problem! I purchased this uncirculated coin from a reputable (??) coin shop when I was in my early 30's, naive, and with money to spare. It's been in the safe ever since. Occasionally I'd look at it and notice some spots developing. Not knowing what to do I just put it back in the safe. Wind the clock ahead to now, I'm about to turn 70 and have more medical bills than money to pay them. I decided to sell my coins to raise some cash. I pulled the coin from the safe and found that my "swan" had turned into an "ugly duckling"! I sent the coin to PCGS anyway for grading but the results weren't helpful. They didn't grade the coin although it seems like it might be pretty nice under all the crap. I don't know where to go from here and thought CoinTalk might be a good first stop for some expert advice. These are the options I've come up with so far. Restoration and Regrading. PCGS? Put it up for auction as-is on EBay I'd welcome any thoughts on these options or additional ideas you might have. Any estimations of sales price would also be greatly appreciated! See the poll. Close-up photos are attached with lighting from different angles. Dan
It's hard to judge the grade of the coin from those photos, but even though it is a problem coin, it is still worth VF money at the very least, so I said the reserve should be $700. Have you considered sending this coin to NGC to have them attempt to conserve it? If they can clean up the coin and get it into any straight graded holder, the conservation process would pay for itself and then some.
I am in agreement with @Lehigh96 .... NGC conservation and grading would be worth the return. I purchased a VF damaged 09-S, VDB last year. The value difference from one grade to the next is substantial...... I will caution one thing though. When you and I were youngsters, justcallmedan it seemed the 09-S, VDB were as rare as hens teeth. Now that we have an Internet they seem to be everywhere. I mention this because buyers are able to be more selective these days. If NGC can put some good looks back into your piece I think you will stand a far better chance of reaping a better return. Good luck! Edit.... If you happen to have firearms in the same safe as your coins, they would be your culprit. Ask me how I know!
Be sure to let bidders know what the reserve is. Reserves are the single most discouraging thing bidders see on eBay because most assume the reserve is unreasonably high
I'm with Evan on this. It appears to have been in some chemicals already. I don't think it is fixable and I agree on the $700. Bidders will bid it up a little.
I am with the above. Maybe some have had better luck than others on conservation and I would try NGC first if you have spendable funds, if not and go with choice 2, $700 is reasonable, but a cleaner coin even with color designation would make it easier to grade and give increased value to you. Best of luck on your health ~ if we could all go back 20 years and listen to older relatives then
I hadn't discovered the NGC Conservation service yet. Thanks for the suggestion. In looking briefly at their website they look pretty thorough and reputable plus I can have them pass the coin right to NGC for a regrade if the coin qualifies for conservation. There's not much of a downside other than processing costs and those are worth taking a gamble on given the potential upside. Thanks again for taking the time to respond!
Hadn't ever heard of a "woodie" other than a car I've longed for since I was a teenager! I suppose if it is a woodie that restoration and regrading might bring that into better view. Thanks for making me a little bit smarter collector!
Go for a restoration attempt. Hate to see the anybody lose anything to corporate America's medical establishment like that. Worth the gamble IMHO.
I'm hoping you're wrong but afraid you might be right. I'll remain optimistic and attempt the restoration and regrading approach first. If I can save this coin the satisfaction (and the extra profit) will be well worth it.
I think I'm going to make the conservation attempt based on what seems to be the prevalent advice. Thanks for your concern on the medical front. Getting old SUCKS!! If I'd only heeded the advice of my elders years ago I'd just stopped having birthday cakes with more than 40 candles or candles that count for more than 1 year!