Okay, let's make this interesting. We've all considered a problem coin at one time or another, and most of us have bought at least one, simply because it seemed a nice enough coin for inclusion in the collection. I'm eating lunch at work right now, and don't have photos to put up, but I'm curious as to how nice some of your problem coins are. Anyone care to share their photos?
Here's one of my favorite problem coins. Purchased for 50% of Greysheet 3 years ago at a time when I thought I might never spend $3000 for a coin. Still, I like this coin even though I almost never buy problem coins now.
This one, because I got it from Great Collections for less than bullion value (even including commission).
My Wife's great, great Grandmother had this 1763 Saxony Thaler as a necklace. Her Grandmother had the attachment removed by a silversmith leaving a small uneven part of the rim, and of course it was cleaned, often.
Picked up this 1807 half cent raw at a local coin show... The scratch on the obverse would likely details this coin.
VG Details - Damage. "Nice" is subjective, but this is the toughest transition variety to find ("thick ribbon" reverse).
A lot of the German States coins that I collect are considered problem coins by the TPG's. That doesn't seem to matter as much on world coins. This must be one of my favorites....that fits the category.
I don't mind "problem" coins in general, though of course MS is always more desirable (a bigger bank account would also be more desirable), I'd single out two of my SLQs that I could never afford in higher non-problematic states - my 1916 FR02 Details, damaged (mintage 52,000), and my 1923-S VF30 Details, corroded, cleaned (mintage 1,360,000), which I like a lot:
My only coin in a details holder. Got it at low F price. I love it. Very common but intriguing die variety.
Look at the meat on this puppy...nice rpd too! So you whizz a coin then laquer it. Look at the 1 below the base as well a secknd flag under the primary