hey guys help a newbie out

preacherman

I notice that forum members bash many ebay lots because of cleaned coins, whizzed,etc. Please help me to be able to identify these coins just from photos as yall do. What do I look fro? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

nwcs

Welcome to the boards! It's a tall order you've asked for. Basically, it takes some reading and research. A few good books to start with:

American Numismatic Association's Grading Standards
PCGS's Grading Standards and Counterfeit Detection

Those will get you started and running. From there it is a matter of looking at coins and asking knowledgeable people. Perhaps posting here a picture (not as accurate as seeing it in front of you, but sometimes helpful). The ANA also has classes on coin grading and identifying problem coins.

That said, it is my opinion that if you're looking for nicer coins it's safest to buy certified ones. They do a great job of filtering out most of the problem coins. I recommend coins certified from PCGS, NGC, or ANACS. You can sometimes find bargains in SEGS and ICG holders.

bulloncoins

Just wanted to welcome you. Sorry I can't offer any advice on judging the pictures. I'm new to the hobby too. Stick arround. Follow these guys through their threads, and look at the coins they post and discuss. I learn everyday!

(Bull on coins)

Dog97

I don't call any cleaned unless I'm really positive because I wouldn't like others making unfounded accusations against me.
Being able to see hairlines & scratches in the picture is a dead giveaway. Sometimes the color & condition of the coin's surface can be helpful.

ccr

Here`s a picture of a whizzed Morgan Dollar. People " whizz " coins to try to hide faults, ie dings, hairlines, or other imperfections that are considered undesirable. In the end, it usually causes more damage to the coin. In hand, it`s shiney and looks like chrome and mirrored to the point where you can shave in it. With this coin, and you can`t see it in the picture, there is pitting in the fields that I think whoever " whizzed " it tried to hide. In the end, it`s ruined from a collectible point of view. The rainbow on the chin isn`t part of the coin. It`s a reflection of the scan.

bulloncoins

So that's a whizzed Morgan. Yep, got me one of those.......A 1883cc.....Broke my heart when I received the coin. It didin't look anything like the picture.....Much too bright, looks like the features were outlined with a black magic marker.

This coin is why I will no longer buy a Morgan off of E-bay. Cost of coin $47.80 delivered. Education, priceless.

BlueCole

go to a coin shop, even if you have to dricve aways to get there. Tell the dealer you want to look at cleaned, whizzed, thumbed, AT, or any other type. Tell them you're a newbie and are trying to educate yourself. i.e., when you see a cleaned copper, you'll never forget it. It's a godawful orange. to make the dealer feel better, buy 20-50 bucks worth of stuff. Ask questions. if the dealer's worth a crap at all, he'll spend some time with yoyu, developing a relationship. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me; i'll do the best i can.

B.

preacherman

Thanks for the help

Hadleydog

Welcome to the jungle, preacherman! What kind of coins do you collect?