carbon spots

Hedger

Are very tiny carbon spots acceptable on higher grade Lincolns in red/brown? Should I get rid of them for ones that do not have any spots? These spots (2 tiny specs) are in the field of the coins on the reverse. Thanks for the input.

Hedger

nwcs

Carbon spots will lower the overall grade. Depending on size and severity. Myself, I'd choose one without spots. Unless the spots were such that they didn't bother me.

hookedoncoins

I know for many coins, MS64 is the highest a coin can grade with carbon spots (there are some exceptions); however, I have heard that it may be a little higher with lincolns. Maybe MS65 or so as the highest possible grade (once again with exceptions).

Shamika

It depends on how big they are and where they are located. I've seen MS67RD cents with a tiny carbon spot or two.

Coppernicus

Flyspeck size spots not in a major focal area will not hurt the grade too much. However, if you see a PCGS MS67 with larger spots and or small ones in a prime focal area, there's a good chance they appeared after the coin was slabbed. A true 67 should not have these - even a 66 would be suspect! My 66 and 67s are free of carbon spots, except a few which will only show up under high magnification, i.e. higher power than a loupe.

Mike

ibzman350

being a new guy...a spot is a spot. what's the difference a carbon and none carbon spot ?

Herb

lava

There are two aspects to spots, carbon or otherwise. The question starting the thread focuses on the impact of the spot on the grade. Regardless of grade, spots also affect eye appeal, and typically make the coin less desirable for its assigned grade. Spots annoy the hell out of me, but maybe I'm just picky. Michael and Janet Jackson annoy the hell out of me too.

ibzman350

"Janet Jackson annoy the hell out of me too" yea ...she has a spot also, I saw it on TV during the superbowl

Herb

Cougar1978

Never liked spotted coins - tough to sell too. Best thing - avoid them.

Insider3

@ibzman350 said:
being a new guy...a spot is a spot. what's the difference a carbon and none carbon spot ?

Herb

One is generally black and the other is usually reddish.

jmlanzaf

Welcome to Zombie Tuesday here on the forum.

Jimnight

I personally do not like white milk spots or carbon spots.

lusterlover

The delineation I like to make is that carbon spots/issues are IN the coin and growing. Typically caused by moisture or other contaminant. Non-carbon spots are typically ON the coin and are surface crust which aren't damaging the coin. In many cases, these can be easily removed. These typically don't hurt the grade as they are a sign of originality.

PerryHall

@lusterlover said:
The delineation I like to make is that carbon spots/issues are IN the coin and growing.

I didn't think carbon spots continued to grow if a coin is properly stored.

lusterlover

@PerryHall said:

@lusterlover said:
The delineation I like to make is that carbon spots/issues are IN the coin and growing.

I didn't think carbon spots continued to grow if a coin is properly stored.

You're probably right about that. I've seen some get worse over time and others not.

Cougar1978

Even very small carbon spots can be a deal breaker on a beautiful gem Morgan Dollar. Jimmy had one like that, got tired of dropping price to move that, then finally blew it out on the bay starting it at melt.

Some black spots could be evidence of biological attack and increase over time.

Investor beware.

Cougar1978

Whats the highest grade u seen some black spotted coins at or what some call the walking dead. Perhaps a poll.

oldabeintx

Once I notice carbon spots I just can't unsee them. Like other distractions on a coin.