Unc cleaned

edjohn1818

Okay I’m a newbie here so forgive my ignorance. We recently inherited a bunch of coins and we have several unc silver coins, but I’m fairly certain a few have been cleaned at some point. I know that usually destroys the value, but has anyone ever just let them sit for several years to get some kind of patina on them to revalue a little bit? I know the mint luster will never come back, but it just seems a waste to ditch them. I’m aware of the touchy subject of artificial toning, but I’m just talking about letting them sit and let nature take its course. Thanks a bunch.

edjohn1818

Or is this a horrible no-no, spoken of in hushed tones in quiet corners? Get it? Tones? Ba dum bump.

3keepSECRETif2rDEAD

...unfortunately, time does nothing for a harshly cleaned coin...it’s lipstick on a pig that’s about to be slaughtered for today’s breakfast...have somebody that knows coins take a look...shortly, you will get a request to post pictures, but that’s ok because it makes sense and it’s a coin forum. Good Luck to you either way

3keepSECRETif2rDEAD

...and if you got time to let coins sit and naturally tone...why not start with a nice, uncleaned batch instead of trying to lay down turned wine?

edjohn1818

Well, one is a 1932 D quarter, so I don’t think I’m going to find another one of those. Gutted me when I looked closer at it.

3keepSECRETif2rDEAD

Damn...that hurts brother...pretty sure a cleaned 32-d holds more value than just a normal cleaned coin...I still have a hard time differing xf-AU coins from cleaned without a close look

edjohn1818

I don’t know what to think about this one. Has a fair bit of crispness to it but no luster, so I’m leaning towards 👎. Got an 1893 Columbian commemorative the same way.

ricko

@edjohn1818....Welcome aboard....best to post pictures for the most informed opinions....especially for coins of value such as the '32D.....Cheers, RickO

BillJones

Time can do good things for lightly cleaned coins. The return of the toning can make the pieces look better and perhaps even "market acceptable" for a straight grade. I know some collectors hate the "market acceptable" term, but it does have merit, especially for pieces with significant overall rarity.

The coins that have really been messed with (heavy hairlines, polished), are permanently damaged … in most cases.

When I was shopping for an 1839-C $2.50 gold coin, I ran into five or six polished coins that were put into straight grade holders. The coins almost looked like polished brass buttons. The coins were simply horrible, but they still got Mint State or AU grades and were priced almost as if they didn’t have a problem. That’s why you best defense is to know how to grade the series you are collecting.

edjohn1818

Okay, I think I can recognize cleaned by the shine and the swirl marks on the fields, but how can you tell if one is polished? Again, newbie here. Thanks. I’ll try to post pics later on tonight.

Namvet69

Yup, scratches and swirl marks do not go away. We'd like to see some sharp close ups of the obv and rev. Peace Roy

edjohn1818

edjohn1818

Sorry folks, I know these pics aren’t great, but they are high def and the best I could do. Thanks for looking

CRH4LIFE

Those poor coins

Hemispherical

Ouch!

Welcome to the forum @edjohn1818.

Please post a close-up of the mint mark on the ‘32 please. Not enough resolution to get a good zoom.

edjohn1818

edjohn1818

Hope these are a little better

Cougar1978

Not seeing them sight seen:

Wonder if the Columbian would benefit from a dip. That black streak ruins that coin needs removal. What about the 32-D? The others would leave alone - do u grade them Unc?

Unless slabbed (it cost me about $50 each for two pieces I sent in regular service $35 with invoice fee and shipping included) would need make decision on submission or just grade Unc (or whatever if less) list them in online store, to sell raw.

Are these worth enough in your view to justify slab cost?

Unless there are cleaning marks a dip may improve as long as coin has nice luster