Reply to Thread

Message:: [QUOTE="900fine, post: 734483, member: 6036"]Usually, it's corrosion caused by exposure to water over time. Many of these coins were found in the ground, others in "less than ideal" storage conditions. Sometimes, these coins show planchet porosity which is "as struck", but the vast majority of porous coins on e-bay are corroded.  Sometimes, if the damage is less extensive, TPGs use the term "environmental damage" instead of corroded. In my mind, it is what is, regardless of their terminology.  Absolutely. It devalues the coin a great deal, sometimes as much as 75% drop or more depending on the coin. In general, early American coppers are valued more for solid, hard, problem-free surfaces than for detail. Note that any imperfections which were "as made" deduct much less value. For instance, planchet imperfections, laminations, or clips have less impact on value.  Not necessarily. The coin should be evaluated on its own merits. That said, most counterfeits don't show corrosion.[/QUOTE]