Hi, I recently bought this coin on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3952841751&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT Didn't notice obverse rim ding at 8 oclock until I had coin in hand. I think this coin is either strong VF or weak EF, except for the rim ding. Does the rim ding substantially affect grade or value on this quality of coin? Thanks Tom
This is a great question and one I'm curious also. I recently bought a nice early copper cent with a rim ding and asked the dealer the same thing after I put it into my type album. He noted that it's very common for old copper to have these dings and if shows old toning all the better and should be no big deal. (By the way, my work connection prohibits me from seeing your coin so I don't know what it is.) Personally, if I notice it (esp. prior to buying it! ) I would probably knock the coin down at least one full grade in price. I returned a raw proof shield nickel that had a rim cut. There's a bunch of stuff to take into account. Unfortunately, I think the general answer is, it will knock it down a notch or two in grade/value.
I've seen various rim nicks that didn't affect the overall grade and some that did. I know how subjective this is going to sound, but it all depends on how distracting it is. On the Seated Liberty quarter, I see a very sharp strike, great head detail, and sharp design details. The fields are pretty clear. I don't see a rim ding at 8 o'clock, but I do see a darker area at 4 o'clock on the obverse (is this lighting, toning, or a mark?) and two small ones at 5 o'clock and 6:30 on the reverse. Assuming that the dark area on the obverse is toning, this coin is in EF40 condition in my opinion. I don't tend to deduct for very small nicks on the reverse, though they should always be disclosed upon the sale of the coin. I'm sure that there are others who don't agree with this method, but I know what works for me. Hey Prethen, see if you can see these pictures. They're taken right from the auction.
Thanks to both of you who replied. Maybe ring ding is the wrong words. Look carefully, and the coin is slightly out of round on the obverse at 8 oclock, due to an impact on the obverse edge of the rim.
Ding Hi guys, I don't see it either/ It is a very nice coin though. As Susan said the head is nice as are the feathers on the eagle. I would have bought it either way. I don't mind a little ding on the rim as long as it doesn't go all the way into the field. As for changing grade, some people would and some wouldn't. I wouldn't change the grade.. Alot of people are after completely problem free coins, not me, if I like it I'll buy it. Regards Tony
I see what onlydad sees but I don't call it a rim dig...it's more of an out of shape planchet...before the coin was minted or it might have happened when the die came together and hit the coin...I think you got a good deal. Speedy
I dunno. I've had Morgans come back body-bagged ("damaged") with rim dings that I thought were just circulation marks. But, until onlysdad described the out-of-round, it seemed OK to me except what I perceived as my eyes going bad or a warp on my screen. It seems pretty insignificant. However, it might be only the picture, but it almost looks like the coin has been cleaned; the luster looks polished. I hope not, but the only way to tell for sure is to send it in for grading. Those guys can tell if a coin was buffed up a bit just before it went out the mint door back in 1854.
I'm sure that it has been cleaned at some point...just like almost all of those old classics have been cleaned. Some were cleaned by the mint, some were cleaned by collectors. Cleaning coins was not always as frowned upon as it is now. Knowing this, it seems to me that the TPG's have slabbed a lot of "cleaned" coins. Do I think this coin has been harshly cleaned? No. And I think any cleaning that did happen was a very, very long time ago.
Once again, thanks to all for your ideas and opinions. I hadn't thought much about the cleaning question. A lot of coins from that era have a characteristic black background with raised features that are a lighter golden-tone. I've assumed this indicates an authentic uncleaned condition unless there are obvious abrasions. Is this right? This coin is mostly golden toned, except in the real small crevices like between the feathers, where the color is dark. It certainly does not have a garishly shiney appearance, and there are no abrasions that would suggest a harsh cleaning. Maybe Susan is right that it was cleaned, not harshly, and a long time ago so that it has retoned to a golden color. But if only the experts can tell, then onlysdad isn't going to worry about it. (Only, by the way, is the name of the family cat, so I'm Only's dad).
I have a flying eagle cent 1858 with a ding at 12 o clock...I don't know if that affect coin grade either...I will try to post pics...(but I think you guys know about my scanner issue!) Overall the cent looks real nice.
Ok...finally I could scan the FE cent...this are the best pics I could get..the feathers are more detailed than what is showed...anyway here are the pics.... In the obverse there's no toning just the same light brown all over the coin...I don't know what happened with the pic Thanks!, Ivan EDIT: Is this a Small or Large Motto?...I'm pretty sure is small...
