Hello all,,, I am new here and I hope I have placed this thread in the right section. I have a few question about some coins that I recovered while metal detecting. First of all,,, I was wondering if it's even worth getting a coin that has been dug from the ground professionally cleaned, graded and slabbed? Also, I would appreciate getting a few estimates on the grades of two of my best coins. Both these coins were recovered from a Ponds cold cream jar at a depth of about 10" down. I believe the green substance on the coins to be some old modeling clay, that was placed between the coins when they were placed in the jar, to keep them separated. There were a total of (8) coins in the jar, 2 half's, and six quarters, and all had the substance on them. I know neither of the two are key dates but they do seem to be in (about un-circulated) condition. This first coins is a 1920 Standing Liberty Quarter and the only ware that I can see on it is on the head, and a small bit on the shield although most of the detail are still intact. Most of the hemline on the skirt above the right knee is also still visible. You should be able to click on the photos for a larger view. Sorry about the quality of the photos. This second coin is a 1917s Walking Liberty Half Dollar. This is probably the better of the two, condition wise, with only minor ware on Liberty's head on the obverse and some minor ware on the eagle's chest on the reverse. Most of the feathers on the eagles chest are still visible although hard to see from the photo. Again, I would appreciate any help with these questions and I thank you for your time... Have a great day, Leon...
Based on your pics I suspect the coins would not be slabbed because of environmental damage. But given what the coins are, it might be worth it to have them professionally conserved and placed in NCS holders.
Leon First of all, welcome. The green residue is unfortunate as both coins otherwise look like nice pieces (probably XF-AU range, but hard to tell from the photos). The 17-S Reverse mintmark is a tough coin to find in high grade. I will leave it to others here as to whether these are worth sending to NCS. Good luck.
WELLLLLCOMMMMEE TO THE FORUM. Since your investment is actually 0, I would suggest a little experimenting. As is not much real value. except the 17S Walker but that too in that condition about $50 maybe. Regardless, since they were just found, try some of the methods mentioned on this web site. Go to the search thing and type in coin cleaning, Actone, cleaning coins, etc. Some real odd reading and a little educational. If those were mine I'd start with soaking them all in distilled water for a day or so. If nothing, purchase some Acetone, read about it on this web site. Try some of that. If these methods don't work at all, you may or may not try the many other things people try to remove contaminates on coins. Such things as Lemon Juice, Vinegar, Tamato paste and/or juice, lighter fluid, etc. If you do try these methods you'll actually be falling into the catagory of cleaning a coin. Usually considered a real NO NO. But as I said, no big investment, so nothing to loose by trying. If you do get that stuff off, take those coins and place them on a kitchen window sill. Stand them up so air gets to both sides. Pending on how much cooking is done in that room, the humidity, temperature, etc., it may take some time but you'll be amazed at how those coins will start to look normal again. I've done this with many polished coins and most have returned to almost normal appearances.
Welcome to the forumn Being a nebie for awhile , i have never clean coins in my mind/ Check out previous threads in your spare time do reserch as much as possible it does take time But knowledge is the best tool And dont be afraid to ask questions set back and enjoy this great hobby.:kewl:
