nothing like a little coral on your silver coins

1907Quarter

I think HSN hit a new low last night. They were selling NGC shipwreck coins. A 1861-O seated half appeared gold in color with what I would simply call sea corrosion; either tiny pits or raised nodules of "stuff" that didn't belong. An unc coin with lots of detail for sure but corrosion covering the entire face of the coin. OK I guess, but not to be sold over 2x retail!
It is fascinating the number of atmospheric pressures the coins were under at the bottom of the ocean but they shouldn't be a positive selling point, and marketer's trickery!

sliderider

I agree. Shipwreck recovered items are damaged goods in my mind and should be bid accordingly. I don't see how a coin that was in salt water or encrusted in coral for 120 years can be sold as MS when it obviously has been eaten away over the years and then cleaned.

nwcs

I have no issues with the conservation of these coins but I do think it would be better for them to explain it. I think they should be sold at a slight discount for the grade.

lordmarcovan

I think shipwreck coins are neat. I'm surprised that such a coin would go into an NGC holder, though- perhaps NGC via NCS?

Do you remember what wreck it was from? The Brother Jonathan, perhaps? I don't know if any of the S.S. Republic coins are on the market yet.

Conder101

SS Republic silver coins have been on the market for a couple months now, the gold for just a couple weeks.