Do scratched-up slabs detract from a coin's value?

Just purchased a nice 2015-W ASE PR70DCAM, except for the slab it came in. There were a number of abrasions over the stars on the reverse, as well as a scraped area on the slab to the right of the date on the obverse. It makes it harder to enjoy the true beauty of the coin. It's a shame that the seller did not mention the condition of the slab up front. They offered to take it back, but the coin itself is nice, and I thought I got it at a good price (auctioned). Just wondering what would happen to its value if it were to be sold down the road. Since we all like pictures, here is the coin. Thanks for your input.

 

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I have heard of buyers who will only buy if the slab is pristine.
Doesn't make a lot of sense to me though.

 

You might try polishing out mild scratches with toothpaste!
Shouldn't make a Dif. to coin's value.
J.T.

Addendum: and there's a goop called Semichrome™. It's excellent for polishing but more expensive than toothpaste.

 

@Mark Kerner I have heard some hear who have had luck using the same stuff used to take out scratches in vehicle lamp covers.

 

If the only draw back is the slab, I would try polishing the scratches and marks out and if not happy, you can always resubmit just to have it re-slabbed, for a fee of course.

 

Try using Meguiar’s PlastX to rub out scratches. It works great on all slabs except NGC. Those are almost impossible to remove.

 

have to start grading the slabs also

 

When I am considering a coin that resides in a scratched slab:

If the scratches are minor and can be polished out by me, I don't let it affect my decision or price offer.

If the scratches are serious/deep and cannot be removed by me, I either pass on the coin or reduce my offer by the cost of re-slabbing plus my "annoyance and inconvenience factor" for me having to do the resubmitting. After all, the seller doesn't seem to have a problem dumping his problem on me so my view is that such poor performance should be penalized.

Generally, if the slab is bad meeting the second criterion, then I usually just pass unless it's a real rarity.

 

Yes, they can. Having gotten ripped off by a slab that was intentionally scratched to hide the fact that an early coin had been polished, I learned a lesson. I also learned that it costs too much to get a coin re-holdered when the slab is too messed up to fix with headlight polish.

I once bought a 1903 McKinley Gold Dollar that was very close to a P-L in a messed up holder. I love the coin, but I hate what I had to pay for the holder and shipping. Never again!

 

You say the seller didn't mention the slab/scratches, but they show pretty well in the photos, if similar to/the same ones you looked at to purchase. Bad part is, the coin looks to be out of its retainer ring...or the ring and coin is dislodged near the bottom...in the photos. Indeed, send it in for a reholder the sooner the better...only around $10 I think, plus shipping. As for me, I look pretty closely and if the holder looks old/scratched in the photos...or any doubt...might mean there's more to it. I'd probably pass if it's that obvious...or maybe ask a couple of questions about it. If he offered and it's not too late, consider sending back for your money to look for a better one...without having to pay more for a reholder plus the time it takes. Don't be afraid to speak up...just tell him you've changed your mind.

 

Don’t the TPGs offer to re holder?

Rick L.

 

Yes, for a fee.

 

Yes, and when you add shipping and handling, it gets to be quite expensive. The last time I had it done at PCGS, it cost me $42, and included the shipping for one way.

 

Yes they do as mentioned above. As for this coin being a PR70 from PCGS and signed by John Mercanti, I would go and have it re-slabbed. In my book, perfection deserves perfection.

 

First I’d try Turtle Wax Headlight Lens Restorer. Then I consider replacing the slab itself. I personally don’t like beat up slabs but I do have a few.

 

Might not be able to get it re-slabbed with the signature. I would check with PCGS before sending it off.

 

I would do the "plastic polish" first that was mentioned above before I did anything else. But to me the slab isn't all that bad. I have seen lots worse.

 

Well that is a good point you make.

 

Here's a close-up of the obverse showing the scraping down by Liberty's right foot back towards the date. I believe that the coin is correctly seated in the holder. I will contact PCGS to see what they charge to re-slab it. It's most probably worth having a professional take care of it. I might go back to the seller asking for a credit in the amount of the re-slabbing cost towards a future purchase or else writing him a less than positive review.

 

I've had someone try and deduct $50 due to a scratched slab. Since the scratches were my fault we settled on $35 to accommodate a new slab + his shipping back and forth to PCGS.