Major Problem coins ?

When searching for rare coins would you accept a specimen which has been holed/plugged/mounted/polished/engraved? I take in all but holed coins, I just can't stand them !

 

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Everything is acceptable and collectible -- at the right price. Last year I passed up a holed 1932-D quarter. Now I wish I had bought it. The difficulty is knowing what to pay for these things.

 

I agree with you, I bought a 1791 2/3rd mark of saxony (ex mount) for €10. Otherwise it was GF. I'm guessing that it would normally cost about five times that amount. The one thing for them is that they are cheap !

 

Absolutely - at the right price. If there were a S-VDB for $1, I would take it quick.

 

I think if you deal with any coins pre-1800, there are always going to be instances where a coin you very much would like to own can only be had at a certain price because it is a "problem" coin. I consider coins grading AG to be problem coins even, due to excessive wear. I don't think I would buy holed/plugged, engraved, or polished coins ("cleaned" is another matter, esp. with ancients and medievals) unless they were extremely rare, purchased them for a great deal, and I could sell them off at a higher price pretty quickly. However, if I wish to ever complete my U.S. type-set, I know that if I want an example of a 17__ cent or half-cent, I will have to settle for an AG coin or a problem coin I can handle (major digs, rim problems, pitting, &c.).

 

I actualy like holed coins,as for the most part they were holed to hang as charms & good luck momentos as for cleaned coins well I cant affored to be too fussy LOL

 

I actually think they are more fascinating than unmarked coins. Take this one for example. Maybe the individual who had it was killed in the war of 1812 or his lover/wife died of smallpox. Any number of possibilities make the history of this piece fascinating...

Take Care
Ben

 

Some engraved coins are works of art....

 

I greatly admire the numismatic experts on Coin Talk and they frequently post photos of beautiful rare coins that I'll never own. But I freely admit that I'm more intrigued by old coins with holes, initials, and various sorts of wear and damage than by perfect coins that never made it out of the mint bag. Strictly speaking, this is not a desirable quality in a collector, so I'm really not a very good one.

 

I strongly disagree. What and how you collect is a beauty all in itself. You are the master of your domain and if that domain is holed, initialed, and unusually worn coin which you enjoy then it's perfect in the eye of the beholder.

My collection has the majority of (not foldered) coins in 2x2 flips with my personal grade and attribution on them. I've had members here virtually scream at me about some of my grading habits, but I call them like I see them and that's what makes my collection unique and 2nd to none.

Do Your Own Thing...
Ben

 

I prefer coins with as little damage and marks as possible, only because I want to enjoy the original art that is the coin itself. However, when you get to coins that are 150+ years, it becomes increasingly difficult to find any. A dime was a lot of money in 1800, and many people didn't save money because they couldn't afford to. I do have some coins from this time that are uncirculated, and they're no less fascinating and full of history. Who owned say a dollar in 1800 that was wealthy enough to have saved it and preserved it? A banker, a shipbuilder, the President? Thats as exciting as wondering who's initials are on a coin, or wondering what brothels my Morgans passed through.
Guy~

 

I don't search for rare coins, because I can't afford them.
But speaking of numismatic collectibles in general, I'm liable to purchase anything that I find interesting and affordable.
My collection is for my personal enjoyment.
I couldn't care less if someone else thinks I have "problem" coins. :mouth:

 

I collect what ever catches my eye. If it has a hole, ding or engraving but it's interesting to me I'll buy it. I'm the connoisseur of my coins not the collector down the street so I collect what I like.

Lou

 

I have several holed and plugged coins. As far as I am concerned they are still examples of the type,year and mint so they look good in my collection!!

 

Man you have some nice halves Ben!!

 

No, I dont buy problem coins for my collection. I always buy the coin in the best grade that I can afford, if that involves spending a little more than I care to spend for a problem free coin, than so be it.

Would you be proud to add this 1877 IHC to your collection? This one sold on Ebay, I cant remember how much it finally sold for, thats not the point here, but theres no way I'd put this coin in my album.

 

^^^ Oh, man, that is one sweet IHC. Those digs are fantastic.

 

I bought a Scots silver 30/- coin of King Charles I's coinage,which has been both cleaned & plugged.It is quite a rare coin.

If it has been holed or cleaned,but it is either scarce or rare,I would buy it.Chances are,an unholed one may turn up,& be out of your price range,or another one won't turn up at all.Then you would be kicking yourself,as it were,because you didn't buy the holed or cleaned example when it was offered to you.

Aidan.

 

If it was cheap enough and the damage appeared to be old damage, I'd probably buy it [but not tell anyone here]. If I already had it, I would keep it.

 

It's the perfect coin to throw in a bag and show kids (and adults) as "type coins" so they can hold them and examine them closely without you worrying that something might happen to it. I keep a bag of similar coins around to show my kids at school, and people who come over. Some are worn, some nicked, but all give you the general idea without me having to take out the ones I paid hundreds for.