Discussion about the condition of this 1876 25C

What grade would NGC give?

 

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It's in between a VF and an XF IMO, BUT likely wont straight grade because it has environmental damage. This coin was buried at some time.

 

The sharpness grade is EF, but it has environmental damage. The market grade would be VF-20, but many collectors would prefer to have a "no problems" VF.

 

Exactly what they said above.

 

Too hard to tell from these photo's....

 

Would using soapy water help something like this or degrade its value?

 

You can’t make it better. Anything you do will make it worse and lower the value

 

To me, I think someone worked on it sometime for contrast. VF cleaned.

 

The black surfaces, which are the hallmarks of environmental damage, are now the composition of the coin. You can’t remove it without damage.

 

I disagree with the consensus. I think a cleaned coin brings more (interested buyers /value) than a damaged coin. This is a great example of when to actually clean a coin IMHO.

Were this coin mine, I'd whiz all over it. First a baking soda slurry. Followed by an ultrasonic distilled water bath. Then be honest that it's been cleaned. Write it on the flip, or have it slabbed, so no doubt. Then enjoy.

 

I would throw some Verdi-care on it and call it a day. Anything beyond that will just devalue it even further.
I would like to respectfully disagree with @nwfdub. Right now the OP has an environmentally damaged piece, harshly cleaning it will only add to its problems.
The environmental exposure has bonded to the metal of the coin, trying to remove it will end up taking off the surface the coin.

 

Baking soda is rough, so rough you can feel it between your fingers. Soap, even liquid soap is still rough. Even a chamois cloth will scratch a coins surface. Best to just leave it as is. This is definitely a case of doing nothing is better than doing something, anything.

 

I appreciate all the feed back! I will take everything into consideration for my decision. Shame such a nice coin has damage as such. I personally find the contrast to be appealing. Thanks again.

 

@Coins4Eli No need to call me out. I had already stated I went against the grain on this one. Great thing about open forum, we are able to have a different opinion.

I stick by what I said, albeit unpopular. In this case though, many here will support this statement;
Buyers are more likely to buy a cleaned (yes I know it's additional damage) coin that fills a slot rather than one simply environmentally damaged. It's a simple eye appeal thing.

 

I have given your statement serious consideration.

I have concluded I am not one of the many.

 

Sorry about that, I have nothing against you.