Grading Question - little black dots
jshaulis
Posts: 860 ✭✭✭✭
I'm reviewing a bunch of Morgan and Peace Dollars and the number 1 issue I have noticed are random dots on the coins. Does a dot/spot as shown right above the eye be cause to not receive a 70 grade? Also, what is the technical term for that dot?
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Strange. It's almost like a carbon spot you'd see on a copper coin. I'm guessing it's either a product of an improper alloy mix or something that popped up during the annealing process. As for the technical term, I just call them "imperfections".
It could also be something struck into
If it's on the coin then I doubt it gets a 70.
Here are two additional pics. I THINK it's part of the coin but the more I look, the more confused I get on it. If it's something on the coin, what's my best bet to remove with risking damage or does our hosts take care of that?
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A lot of cleanliness problems, especially Denver.
Agree, Denver was the biggest offender with New Orleans right behind it. The above is New Orleans.
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Denver was nuts. I had so many struck through dirt or fibers that I started to expect a cricket.
Bottom line - is it safe to say that coin will not grade 70?
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As a strike through it might.
It could be on top of the coin, but I’m not sure PCGS would try to remove it without a fee.
You might try pouring acetone on top of it. If grease or dust it may wash off.
Even if it does grade 70 it will bother you that it is there
That reminds me... What's the spot price for silver?
Ha! I'm too funny for my 👕
Under close examination, does it appear to be imbedded into the surface or does it appear to be laying on the surface? If flushing with acetone doesn't wash it off I wouldn't bother submitting it only to get a 68 or 69 grade. It's a sad fact that not every collector coin purchased at a premium price directly from the US Mint is completely flawless.
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
That is annoying. Out damned spot! Peace Roy
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Based on the pictures, I cannot determine if it is on the surface or in the surface. It will - IMO - affect the grade if allowed to remain... or, if removing it leaves evidence of it being there. Cheers, RickO
I would be more concerned about being able to sell the coin and get all the money vs some grading issues with it.
I don’t like coins with black spots like that so not a buyer. Technical grade a moot issue for me in that situation. Hopefully you can return it. Otherwise start at melt and blow out on the bay?
Of all of mine, the Denver ones were easily the worst. Almost all the s coins were perfect.
That makes sense, and I would hope that MS70 coin would not have visible specs or imperfections.
I am often shocked how people expect all their coins that come from the mint to 70. I get hope but I hope for a lot of things I don't get. If all coins came as 70s, 70s would mean nothing and wouldn't command more. If all coins came close to 70 quality the TPG would most likely raise the standards to make 70s rare still. Its a game and one that is typically only won by scale.
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set
Agree with all comments. For what it is worth, I don't expect all to come back as 70s. I feel ok about saying this coin has no issues, the problem is the "issues" I am finding, I am not sure if they are actual issues or not. I might upload some additional photos of other "problems" that may or may not be issues. Some of them have to be just the right angle to even notice the slightly darker areas where the rest is bright colored. Anyways, thanks for the help all, I will likely post some more later this afternoon.
Thanks!
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I am not a seller or dealer.
When I am looking to add a 70 grade coin to my collections, I buy it on the second hand market.
When I buy a coin from the mint, I expect it to look appealing.
Wayne
Kennedys are my quest...
Should look really good, or perhaps look really bad with a catastrophic mint error.