The only way I would buy a valuable raw coin from a dealer is if they guaranteed in writing a minimum numerical grade would be given by NGC or...
Unfortunately, we don't have back-country auctions with raw coin bargains on the west coast. None that I'm aware of. Out here, it's dealers at...
My one and only: [ATTACH] [ATTACH] [ATTACH]
Tell us more about ARRC bingles. I know they are tokens from Alaska, but that's about it. Cal
For me, it's about $200 for modern coins. I'm using "modern" in the sense of ancient vs medieval vs modern, so all U.S. coins are modern....
The hobby will have its ups and down, but it won't go away. Older coins are durable, fairly readily identified and authenticated antiquities....
Would you consider some of the within-date varieties that were common before the civil war to be necessary for completeness of those series?...
Is there any comprehensive authenticating source for the Eliasberg collection other than the sale catalogs? He probably did own more than what...
The Eliasberg collection is considered the one and only complete collection of "regular" U.S. issues. Regular issues exclude pattern,...
Doug, I have no issue with letting a coin air-dry after rinsing with distilled water. I've done it often, mostly with ancient coins. If there...
Reagent grade acetone dispensed from its original container will not leave a film in and of itself. If you are using painter's grade acetone or...
Yup. Water and acetone are miscible in all proportions. This is a common technique in research labs to dry glassware, metals and certain types...
I agree "conservation" is a better term. That said, I just got a spam from PCGS offering "restoration" for my coins. They showed an example of...
Your experience points out why those who collect moderately priced and pricier raw coins should submit at least a few to a reputable TPG. You may...
It's accepted by many that very rare coins are treated with a little more leniency by the grading services. They may give them a bit higher grade...
Congratulations. You have a sharp eye and good memory. I'm sure there are more discoveries to come. Cal
Probably the most valuable pedigree is GSA for certain Morgans. For some ancient coins, the pedigrees can stretch back quite a ways ......
It's a shame that the folks were treated this way. Unless the company or companies that sold them the coins made false claims, there is not much...
I've thought about posting a guide to their website, but have never figured-out enough of it to make a guide. There are multiple versions of the...
To break the mystery for others, it was an 1864 small motto two cent proof. Very rare and very cool. Maybe I'll buy a couple dozen ... not! Cal
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