When is a scratch an issue?

I've been trying to understand when a scratch is a scratch. I've seen a few coins labeled as "scratched" and thus "problem" coins.

However, I've seen many coins that are well graded AU or better that have what appear to be scratches. When is a scratch a scratch?

What are the characteristics of a problem scratch vs. one that's ignored? Is there a particular book website with a good explanation?

PG

 

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Not a bad question. I really have no idea. For me a scratch is just that, a scratch. However, there are those that use a toothbrush to clean coins. Those leave minor scratches that are noticable but just the same, are scratches. Some coins have slid across a concrete or really hard servace and also have an assortment of different scratches. Lines across a coin are sometimes from the original material used to make the coins too.
I once opened a 2x2 with a screwdriver and it slipped. Now that is NOT a scratch, that's a gauge.
In my opinion there are numerous degrees of scratches possible on a coin and some do and some don't make a difference.
If this post gets a lot of attention, I'm sure in the near future there will be a book on coin scratches on the market soon if not already.:whistle:

 

• When it is one of many, indicating harsh cleaning or whizzing
• When it is more of a gouge
• When it is deep
• When it is long
• When it is on a otherwise high grade MS
• And always, whenever it detracts from the coin's eye appeal

 

Great question, PG. As mentioned above, there is no hard and fast rule. Like other elements of coin grading, it's subjective.

The lower the grade, the more "scratches" are tolerable before calling it a problem coin. i.e. almost all circulated coins have digs, dings, bangs etc. Which ones are considered scratches ? To me, a scratch is typically a straight line, but not always. They also tend to be shallow.

Obviously, the size (length, width, and depth) of the scratch are vital. Another big factor is the location of the scratch. A scratch on the cheek or throat of a Morgan Dollar is more troublesome than the same scratch well hidden in the hair.

It's an art and a science, so there will always be debate about the subjective art portion.

Anyway, that's just my working definition. Others may differ. Great topic ! :thumb:

 

I'm aware scratches are a fact of life when it comes to coins. There are definitely different levels of severity.

That being the case, why am I asking the question? I'm interested in buying the best coins possible, meaning buying coins at the right price that are "problem" free. I'm starting to buy some raw coins and I want to make sure to avoid coins that would be labeled by the graders as a "problem" coin.

This is the kind of scratch/gouge/damage I want to know how to identify and avoid.

PG

 

What you need is a mind-reading license!

 

A scratch doesn't bother me unless it is in a obvious place such as the field or cheek. I don't know how professional graders view it.

 

One key is to view the coin in good light from many angles. Rotate the coin in front of you. Certain imperfections only show up at certain angles.

 

..........POINTING TO THE 14-D OF THE DATE.

I posted these photos before. I bought it scratched & it resides in a small white ANACS holder with the scratch noted on the holder. If you hold the light at just the right place then the scratch sort-of disappears.

 

Yuck! There is no price too cheap for a problem coin. It's better than I have though!

 

How about this coin?

Are these scratches that would give the coin a "problem" status?
Are general wear marks ok?




PG

 

In general, those marks would not disqualify that coin. It would slab. I see Indian gold with marks like those, in slabs, all the time.

I'm not saying that's as it should be, rather as it is. Nor am I saying I would necessarily buy that coin.

 

...all of which gets us back to the definition phase. Exactly what is a scratch, anyway ?

To me, the marks on that coin are not scratches. They're nicks and gouges. Bag marks. They are deeper, wider, and shorter than scratches. To me, they are less problematic. But that's just me.

A scratch is more serious. They tend to be longer, thinner, shallower and straighter. And more bothersome.

To me, bag marks are more "natural". It's just part of the game, being shipped around the country in railroad cars, banging around in a bag. Almost all gold coins have some bagginess.

A scratch, however, looks more like a singular trauma. Most coins don't have scratches. Scratches have a different origin, kinda like mentioned earlier. Somebody slipped with a screwdriver or an awl.

Bag marks reduce the value of the coin. Scratches disqualify the coin.

 

I see nothing in the photo to indicate that the coin is not genuine. However, I would suggest seeing the details of the entire obverse & reverse to authenticate it before sending it for a grade.

 

I really think your looking at this hobby all wrong. Think of this as buying an old oil painting. If you found a painting from a really well known artist, liked it a lot, the price was really great but it had a scratch on it. So what? If you want it, can afford it, why not?
Only a certain amount of 1957 Chevy's were made. If you found one for really cheap price, really great condition, always wanted one but this one had a scratch on the door, would you pass on that?
All I'm trying to say is this is a hobby. When it comes to coins, look at them and if you like them, buy them and the heck with a scratch or two. If you look at a coin and the scratches bother you, don't really need the coin, just pass.
For me to fill an Album, I really don't care about some minor scratches at all. Of course there are limits to scratches too for anyone. Lots and lots of them would be like buying a 1957 Chevy all smashed to bits. Or that oil painting all ripped to pieces.

 

I can appreciate your POV, but for me coin collecting is more for an investment rather than a hobby.

You might stop me there and say it should be purely a hobby, but I find that to be an opinion. Coin collecting from a bullion perspective is definitely a legitimate dollar hedge option.

For me, staying strickly bullion is hard, because I do enjoy the whole collecting aspect as well. This is why I'm trying to be careful and not get too far off on the numismatic deep end, price above melt, but still like the challenge of picking coins with numismatic potential.

PG

 

Is there a book or publication you could point me to that would help me understand how you reached your conclusions? I'm asking because I'd like to learn how to evaluate coins. I figure I'll also save you explaining your conclusion.

Regards,

PG

 

Problem is fairly subjective... ive seen graded coins with things like that on them, you could get lucky Pretty coin though...

 

Since these posts bear on what TPGs do and don't do, perhaps its best to hit some coin shows and look at lots of these - both slabbed and raw.