Anyone know if a silver coin can be saved after having been heat treated?

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by H8_modern, Oct 4, 2011.

  1. H8_modern

    H8_modern Attracted to small round-ish art

    Greetings to all after being away all summer!
    I have an opportunity to pick up a 1798 large eagle dollar that has XF details, maybe AU, but it has been heat treated to hide blemishes. PCGS slabbed it as genuine but ungradeable. Does anyone know if this can be reversed? This "silver" dollar is a chocolate brown like it was a 213 year old penny. Can NCS do anything? Would you guys pay $1900 for a $5k-7k coin? I'm on the fence and need some opinions. Would post pics but I haven't bought it yet. I will post pics of my new stuff as soon as I can take some.
     
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  3. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    No, the damaged cannot be reversed, once done it's done forever.
     
  4. lkeigwin

    lkeigwin Well-Known Member

    No, I don't think I'd spend that kind of money on a messed-with '98 dollar with XF details. I'd look for an attractive, problem-free VF in that range.
    Lance.
     
  5. BadThad

    BadThad Calibrated for Lincolns

    There is no way to "undo" damage to a coin.
     
  6. rev1774

    rev1774 Well-Known Member

    As stated by those above, it is always damaged after that..

    That said, I would still like to see photos of it...
     
  7. LindeDad

    LindeDad His Walker.

    Sure you can crack it out and carry it as a pocket piece untill it wears down to FR2 then get it certified for a low ball set.
     
  8. H8_modern

    H8_modern Attracted to small round-ish art

    Here are pics of the dollar in question. I'm pretty sure I won't buy it because there's no up-side. It feels like a deal at $1900 but since it's ungradeable I think in 10 years it will still be just a $1900 coin. Also the die was filled and the stars to the right of the eagle's head are missing. Thanks for the opinions. You guys saved me from my desire for something nice that starts with 17XX.

    1798 dollar 002.1.jpg 1798 dollar 004.1.jpg
    1798 dollar 006.jpg
     
  9. gbroke

    gbroke Naturally Toned

    Good choice to pass on this one.
     
  10. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    I would say it depends. If you are buying for yourself, like the detail and cannot afford a better XF coin, then go ahead. I do not think most problem coins are great investments though.

    Btw, I agree it cannot be reversed. Bad toning or AT can be dipped off, heat treatment changes the underlying metal color, and dip will not affect it. I have tried it before.

    Chris
     
  11. desertgem

    desertgem Senior Errer Collecktor Supporter

    Seeing the photo, I am not sure it is caused by heat treatment ( or at least not alone). I have experimented with heated silver coins, and never had anything like that chocolate color. It looks much more like a sulfur treatment ( similar to Deller's darkener) than heating. Just my opinion.

    Jim
     
  12. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    They used the code 94 on the coin -

    94|N-4 Altered Surface - Whizzed, harsh cleaning, thumbed over (using a pasty substance to cover defects or alter the appearance).

    None of that can be corrected.
     
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