Accidentally Bought a Duplicate Coin — Which One Should I Keep?
P0CKETCHANGE
Posts: 2,556 ✭✭✭✭✭
Well, this is a good indication that I need to slow down. Was excited for a mail call this weekend to add a new coin into my set, so imagine my surprise when I realized that I already had this slot filled! Since I certainly do not need two of these, I need to decide which one to sell. What would you do? A few points —
• both coins are certified in the same grade by PCGS
• both photographs are PCGS TrueViews, although the 1st one is an "older" TV
• my theme for the set is two-side toners
• the price paid for each is close, within 10% of each other
• the other coins w/trueviews in the set are pictured below
• this year does not come with attractive toning as often as later years
I know it's as simple as "keep the one you like the best, sell the other one", but figured it'd be interesting to crowdsource some opinions. Feel free to guess the grade(s) as well for some added interest. I'll post within 24 hours.
Edit: both coins are graded 66
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Comments
First one by a mile.
The second does not fit into the theme IMHO.
BST: KindaNewish (3/21/21), WQuarterFreddie (3/30/21), Meltdown (4/6/21), DBSTrader2 (5/5/21) AKA- unclemonkey on Blow Out
I like them both, but I like the look of the first one most. Until I look at George's hair. Is that green splotch a concern?
Here's a close up of the area in question under "max" resolution —
For what it's worth, there are also a couple of spots on the reverse of the other one —
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Hmmmm, you should keep number one for your set and sell the second one to me....seriously just kidding about selling me number two. I would guess the grade is 66.
I usually like darkly toned coins but if the image is accurate, the first is nearly too dark for my taste. Plus, not a fan of the PVC slime spots on it.
But the second, as mentioned by @yspsales , isn't what I would consider to be a "toner" and doesn't go with your idea.
So get rid of both and keep looking.
Top coin has terminal black toning on the rim, bottom coin not nice enough. Sell both, keep looking.
My Coin Blog
My Toned Lincoln Registry Set
This is what I was thinking too. The first is bordering on terminal toning. The second is better in my opinion, but the mark above the jaw is slightly bothersome and it does not fit your criteria for toning.
Grade guess: MS 66
Easy choice for me.... Neither one....
Not my type of coins - tarnish is like a flashing sign saying 'Keep Moving'. Cheers, RickO
The toning on the first one is not eye-appealing to me.
The second one is a better looking coin but the toning is very mild and probably not what you are looking for.
Not meaning to change topic... but is that the PVC? What is verdigris? Just want a quick explanation for my benefit.
I saw the green spot and wondered.
Having had PCGS conserve a couple of Buffs, it seems minor.
BST: KindaNewish (3/21/21), WQuarterFreddie (3/30/21), Meltdown (4/6/21), DBSTrader2 (5/5/21) AKA- unclemonkey on Blow Out
Thanks for the feedback. I'd heard the term 'terminal toning' before, but only had a vague understanding of what it meant. Just found a really great explanation on another forum. Reading it was quite informative, so I included the link for those that are interested.
Edit to add: I do not believe my example has terminal toning. I rotated it under a bulb and underlying luster is clearly visible, all the way up to the rims. What appears in the photo as black is a dark emerald green under the light.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Green grows.
Of the two choices....the second one is nicer IMO.
MY GOLD TYPE SET https://pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/complete-type-sets/gold-type-set-12-piece-circulation-strikes-1839-1933/publishedset/321940
I like the 2nd one better
Mr_Spud
Second one.
Jbknifeandcoin.com
IG: jb_rarities
If the PVC is removed from the first then I’d personally prefer that one more. I certainly understand the dark toning part is undesirable but that wouldn’t keep me from liking it if the luster is still there. But for the sake of the look of your set I would hazard that the second is closer but neither are locks.
I’d go 66 as a grade for both.
TurtleCat Gold Dollars
The first one fits your stated theme better, but the second one fits the overall look of the imaged coins better.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Number 1
and in reply to a few of the comments.
It does not have terminal toning, not by a long shot.
Dried in inactive pvc happens on our coins due to old storage that was later learned to be problematic which at the time btw was recommended. If removed it will probably leave a tell tale sign but its so freakin small who cares. If the coin was in an older holder I would leave it be, if not in an older holder I would leave it be. I have seen our hosts and its slab coins exactly as this one is, with a tiny teeny tiny spot of verdigris and get caked with no problem.
Its the cost/result of taking dinner size plate photos of our coins, we see everything 100X.
I like the 2nd one better. The toning on the first is to dark for my taste. It's up to you.
Nothing wrong with having a spare..................I have a bunch
Steve
The second one all day. Ugly toning on the first one, IMHO.
MS65+
I prefer the second. However the first example seems to match your current set a little better.
Just a personal preference, but I'm not a huge fan of the dark toning on the first coin. That, and the green spot in Washington's hair would make me pass. The second coin is more to my liking. I prefer the understated Champaign toning on the reverse, but it doesn't conform to your "two-side toner" quest. MS65+/66?
Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
I agree with TomB. Could you somehow match the obverse of number one with the reverse of number two and keep them both?
it's crackers to slip a rozzer the dropsy in snide
I like #1, spot and all.
I'd pick the second one. The first one appears to have PVC on it, other spotting, and terminal toning.
I agree with WingedLiberty1957. The black toning on the top coin is "terminal." It will only spread and get worse. A very well known and respected dealer gave me some good advice concerning coins like that. He said, "It's hopeless, .......destroyed." Keep the bottom one or keep looking.
I stated this in an earlier comment but will restate given your feedback: I do not believe it has terminal toning, unless I am misunderstanding the concept. I rotated it under a bulb and underlying luster is clearly visible, all the way up to the rims. What appears in the photo as black is a dark emerald green under the light.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
If you have the means; I'd keep BOTH.
If my hand were forced; I'd choose the top one.....Just keep it in a stable environment.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
First one by 100 miles. What a nice original set!
Dave
I like one also.
A: The year they spend more on their library than their coin collection.
A numismatist is judged more on the content of their library than the content of their cabinet.
I like #1. Green spot and all.
Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value. Zero. Voltaire. Ebay coinbowlllc
Nice to be able to see the date clearly. Number 2 is my preference.
I like # 2. I'm not a big toner guy. Definitely don't like the super dark.
Tell no one, forget you told us, and enjoy both.
What was your final decision?
I am late to this question yet would have voted for the second coin.
peacockcoins
I would keep the second one. The toning on the first one has gone too far. It's gone black on the bottom right side of the coin. That is not good.
keep the 2nd coin.
2nd one, If you need the power of the sun to see thru the tone then its not good.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
i like the second one. the toing on the first does not do it for me
I like #1 and bet that the image isn’t accurate given OP’s comments and some TVs having exaggerated color.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Keep the top one and send it back to have them acetone dip off the active PVC.
The lower one since there's no tone my eye is instantly drawn to the hit on the chin. Also the 2 spots on the reverse look like at least one has already eaten into the coin and is no longer just on the surface.
I kept the second one, but am keeping the door open for an upgrade.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
I like door #2. It has a better strike.
Agree
Agree with Door #2.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
The responses have been very interesting. My gut reaction was #1. Then, after reading through the thread and reviewing the coins several times, I find that I prefer #2.
The first example obviously has the more dramatic toning by far. However, the 2nd more closely fits the set, imo. I think I would move #1 (likely quite easily) and then keep my eye out for a 3rd example that is a compromise between these two as the long-term solution.
Nice coins and a great looking collection you have there!
Agree 100% with @WingedLiberty1957
Move on and find a better example.
And s l o w d o w n . . .
"Bongo hurtles along the rain soaked highway of life on underinflated bald retread tires."
~Wayne
Keep the one you like best.
The second coin