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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Larry Moran, post: 542313, member: 4580&quot;]<b>What is the real difference between great collections and the norm?&nbsp; Here&#039;s my answer that has nothing to do with grade or eye appeal, or even issue:</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Amateurs buy cleaned coins; that&#039;s how they get sold.</i></b></p><p><br /></p><p>Few discriminating buyers will ever purchase a cleaned or otherwise altered coin knowingly.&nbsp; The wisest collectors (of anything) always seek &quot;original condition.&quot;</p><p><br /></p><p>DNA analysis of coins may still be some distance in the future, but spectrographic analysis and several other non-destructive methods exist.&nbsp; Imagine analyzing a coin and finding SOAP or acetone, or alcohol, or seeing the rivers and valleys caused by dipping which causes a combination of <u>corrosion and erosion.</u></p><p><br /></p><p>Imagine taking a dingy, dirty Morgan Dollar and dipping it, then selling it to an amateur for $1,700, knowing they will NEVER recoup their &quot;investment&quot; unless selling it to someone less knowing than themself.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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