Is this PVC Damage on an 1806 Draped Bust, and What Are the Options
philographer
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Well I got a new Belomo Triplet 10x loupe so had to take a look at some of my coins.
Have an 1806 half dollar in a PCGS holder graded between 2015-2017 or so, also with a green bean.
Unfortunately the bean is not the only green I see. Under magnification, I see three areas on the reverse with emerald or dark green specks. Two spots under each of the "TE" letters in UNITED, and deeper green spot at the middle bar of "E" in AMERICA.
I assume this is PVC damage. Could this have emerged over the past few years? And what are the options?
The PCGS grade guarantee seems to not apply with respect to PVC damage, but not sure when this version of the guarantee went into effect. ("Coins exhibiting environmental deterioration. The PCGS Guarantee does not apply to coins exhibiting environmental deterioration subsequent to PCGS grading and encapsulation. This deterioration may include, but is not limited to, spotting, hazing, PVC contamination, changes in color, and corrosion.")
Thanks for your input.
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Comments
Looks like a form of verdigris.
If that were my coin, those microscopic spots of corrosion (verdigris) wouldn't bother me in the least.
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Thank you @PerryHall , that's reassuring
He who knows he has enough is rich.
If you can't live with it as is, you can sell it and use the money to buy a different coin or you can send it in to PCGS for the conservation service. I imagine the cost to get it conserved, reslabbed and graded, re-stickered by CAC, and insured shipping both ways will prove to be cost prohibitive.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
I agree with @PerryHall .... Expensive to have it conserved and restickered....If you cannot live with it - and they are very tiny spots - then sell and buy another. Cheers, RickO
That green will bother you until the end of time or until you get rid of it
Looks like the remnants of leather from being stored in an old change purse. Not a problem going forward. I would personally be happy owning that coin.
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@philographer Thanks for your generous giveaway as that coin is like a hot potato!
Seriously I feel that it's also verdigris instead of PVC and looks stable, yet it's just something to keep an eye on over the years of ownership.
Ha, I can live with it. The spots are quite small. I'm just relieved that they're something "acceptable" rather than devastating. I'll keep an eye on them and see if anything changes...
He who knows he has enough is rich.
I have no problem with that, on that particular coin. I do think it can be easily removed with a rose thorn (or something similar) if it becomes troubling to you though.
How much would it cost to get it reslabbed and reCACed including round trip insured shipping to PCGS and to CAC? I imagine it would be quite expensive.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Like I said to the OP, “if it becomes troubling to you”....and he could keep it raw. Myself I wouldn’t put another dime of expense into it....and I also wouldn’t be examining coins at 10x, unless you’re hunting varieties, cuz you’re gonna see things that you probably won’t like 😉
Totally agree. Another option would be to sell it and buy a different coin.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Once you spot the green, chances, are you will always see it.
That kind of stuff used to bother me, but not any more.
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I don't mind at all a few small verdigris spots like that - especially on these old coins.
But I have seen a few that are just loaded with green that I'd have to pass on.
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On a stone cold original early mid grade honest circulated half like that, not much of a problem at all, looks ancient and stable.
A testimony that in its 215 year history, no one has attempted to scratch at it, especially with a pin, needle, or knifepoint. I'd leave it alone and enjoy it, or sell it as is if it bugs you, but not at more than a point or two to the net grade/price.
Nice coin, how's the obverse?
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I'm as picky as they come and those small spots wouldn't bother me. Actually your lucky that it's the only thing that bugs you about the coin. That's nothing.
I agree that it appears stable and I wouldn't worry about it at all.
Obverse has no issues...1806 Pointed 6, Stem, PCGS VF 20
Actually @Baley a post of yours a number of years ago inspired me to pick this up in 2018!
He who knows he has enough is rich.
I appreciate all the comments so far! Thank you.
He who knows he has enough is rich.