What is the responsibility of dealers and collectors in preserving coins for the future.

Bear

As the collecting preference swings back and forth from blinding snow white silver coinage

to technicolor toning and back again, we see a major problem building. Dip the coins, AT the coins,

dip the coins, AT the coins. Since the number of classic type coins is actually decreasing du to mishandling,

loss, destruction ect the problem is increasing year by year. These repeating cycles are degrading the quality

of coins at the very time the number of collectors seeking those quality coins is increasing. Is it all about making

a quick buck, or is it about preserving a part of our heritage for the future. TPG and slabbing was supposed to protect

our rare coinage. Instead, due to the grading peculiarities of each grading service, upgrades may be achieved by messing

with the surface of the coins to maximize grade and value. Have we all been contributing to the creations of a coin devouring

monster?

What do we do to bring a halt to such senseless distruction of our classic coinage ?

How do we reward people for protecting origonal surfaces of their coins?

What will it take to protect the coins that are left untampered with?

MrEureka

What is the responsibility of dealers and collectors in preserving coins for the future?

There is no responsibility.

What do we do to bring a halt to such senseless distruction of our classic coinage?

Pay premiums for original coins and encourage others to do the same. Sellers will catch on.

coinkat

MrEureka:

I disagree. There is a responsibility but it seems that the almighty dollar has a way of getting in the way. Folks, the bottom line here is we can just agree to disgree about this issue... But that doesn't help perserve the remaining original population of coins. TPG companies can lead the charge by offering an original surfaces designation to help preserve coins... especially for those collectors that prefer them. It seems that such a request of the TPG companies would be welcome and provide a well needed service for collectors of original coins.

MrEureka or Laura, I welcome either of you (or both of you) to suggest concept this to PCGS, NGC and ANACS

cladking

<< <i>What is the responsibility of dealers and collectors in preserving coins for the future? >>



In the long run it is the only thing we can hope to accomplish. While there may be no "responsibility"
there is no reason not to preserve coins. If it weren't for those before us there would be only circu-
lating coins.

Fads come and go but quality, originality, and rarity always come to the top.

MrEureka

Rather than talk about responsibility, let's talk about motive. WHY would you want to preserve a coin's "originality"?

For me, the answer is that a coin has the power to help me "connect" with the past. I can hold an ancient Greek coin in my hand and, to an extent more than I should reasonably be able to expect, comprehend an ancient civilization. In some small way, I become one with the past. When a coin is dipped or stripped, it becomes, to some extent, a creation of the modern era. It's power to transport me to the past is diminished. From my point of view, that's a terrible loss.

coinkat

Agreed and well said...

PutTogether

As neat as I think original coins are........I'm going to agree with no responsibility whatsoever. If something is privately owned, you have the right to do with it what you wish. If they guy that paid almost 8 million for the 33 saint wanted to melt it and have a necklace made - its completely his choice, it was his eight million.