HI guys1 I'm new here and I'd like some help regarding grading. When establishing a value, do I take into consideration the dirt or mold on a coin or do I just evaluate it based on ware, age, and color? Thanks!
Well, this question pertains to all coins so I didn't post a pic. I'm new here and I have to figure out how to place a pic yet as well. I'm just wondering what the general rule is regarding dirt and mold or tasrnish. Doe thhis affect the value of a coin. I hear people saying that the patina ads to the value so I'm not sure how to evaluate regardinig this. Thanks for the reply!
What you have to think of is what the coin will be like after you take steps to address those infirmities (oh my, what a big word for such a little brain!). Really, though, many of these coins are better off let alone. Just some sagely advice. To get to your question, generally, what would you value more, a dirty or a clean coin, a moldy or an "unmoldy" one? Still, general propositions don't get you anyplace, really. But, at least, now you know.
Welcome to the forum!. Mold shouldn't be growing on the coin. If it is, it is far too wet. Dirt can affect the preceived value as buyers will suspect it of hiding damage and being a result of poor care. there are safe ways to alleviate these problems. Physical damage such as scratches, dings, grafitti ( visible scratched letter or words ) chemical acitivity such as acids or other chemicals , and many other things can decrease the value of the coin. Now the harder question. Patina/Tarnish/toning/corrosion are all the same basic chemical processes whether natural such as in a paper envelope for 40 years or exposed to the same chemicals for a few minutes, the processes are the same. If it is the "tarnish/toning" aspect, very little of the coin metal surface is affected, and may raise the value of the base coin depending on its attractiveness to the buyer. However, if it extends too long and damages the surface of the coin, it is forever damaged, and the value decreases. The use of silver dips such as acids or cyanide solutions has a long history and are considered acceptable by most as long as it isn't too extensive to alter the surface and affect the luster of the silver coin. Too much and a reduced luster will affect the value negatively. Just a synopsis to help answer some of your questions. Jim
Hi there. All the things you posted effect the value of the coin. Dirt, tarnish and toning are normal. Some toning can really increase the value. You should not try to clean or remove anything. Cleaning will reduce the value. I'll guess what you call mold is probably corrosion. That hurts the value. Every coin is different so thats where pics help you get accurate information about that one coin. Welcome to the fun.
:welcome: I devalue a coin based on anything I don't find appealing. Any scratches, polishing, rim dings, corrosion, or dipping. There are a few times I will make an exception and its usually when neither a problem free coin is not affordable to me or when I find them at extremely low prices and can find trades Cody
When You say "If it is the "tarnish/toning" aspect, very little of the coin metal surface is affected, and may raise the value of the base coin depending on its attractiveness to the buyer." Are you referring to such things as dippoing a silver coin ointo bleach to give a coin patina? Read more: http://www.cointalk.com/t211252/#ixzz22jdjpFNv
You don't need to start a new thread, adding the pictures to the old one would work. These issues would greatly reduce the value of the coin. I think this is a cent from the 50's, unless there is some error on the coin the problems shown make this coin a spender.
When I refer to dipping I mean using dipping a silver coin in chemicals such as acetone to remove toning. There are thousands of market acceptable dipped coins and alot are in the top tier third party grading slabs. But there are circumstances when some coins have been over dipped removing the coins luster.
