Questions concerning “Plata Agria”

Tunis

A member on the board helped me with a definition and gave me a basic understanding of how it occurs. My questions now are as follows:
1. As a collector, do you pass on examples that have this “issue”? Do you wait for a “cleaner” example? Or do you like the originality of the mintage process showing?
2. Does it add value or subtract value? Or is it all in the eye of the beholder?

Thanks for helping a beginner out.
Paul

TwoKopeiki

I don't mind it and for me it does not detract too much from the overall look of the coin. I don't think it adds value, although it does help with counterfeit detection. In this series I'm probably in the minority when it comes to appreciating mint defects, but to me it tells a story of the minting conditions during that period. Reworked die elements, tapered planchet strikes, planchet stress marks, edging process issues, metal impurities, clashed dies, multi-strikes - all tell parts of that story.

realeswatcher

Things like moderate planchet stress, lamination issues, die rust, etc. are indeed interesting and useful as learning tools... but by and large, such pieces almost ALWAYS bring less money than "defect-free" examples. All collectors deep down prefer pretty things.

Myself, I'm not super picky about living with cleaning, maybe even a hole... but I get annoyed at the universe when I see a portrait 8R with full original luster...... BUT either a bowed planchet, stress marks right across the bust, notably uneven strike, etc.

Boosibri

I don't love it but have learned to broadly ignore it especially on difficult issues like mint state 4 reales

Tunis

To me, your example looks great! The markings actually accentuate the details of the hair and crown.

jgenn

I've read opinions that "plata agria" is a sign of a genuine issue but I prefer to believe that this phenomenon could just as easily occur on improperly annealed forgeries.

Abuelo

I do not mind it.