How much do carbon spots lower gade?

BeeMan

I brought my Lincoln Cents home from the bank to examine and have noticed many with carbon spots. If the coin surfaces are basically free from major dings and the color and luster are still good how much would multiple carbon spots lower the grade? If for example the coin would otherwise grade MS65?

ziggy29

How big are these carbon spots, how many are there and where are they on the coin? These all are factors in determining how much they would lower the grade.

BigD5

I'm with Ziggy. Location, location, location. Size as well.

If they are light, and are scattered in the fields, I wouldn't expect anything higher than a 65.

The heavier they get from there, the lower I would figure any assigned grade from a service.

We need pic's, or a more descriptive assessment of the coins' surface to get you anything more specific, opinion wise.

BeeMan

I have one with tiny spots all over the obverse from the size of a period (.) to less than mintmark size. Not readily visible to the naked eye but clearly visible under magnification.

jonathanb

<< <i>I have one with tiny spots all over the obverse from the size of a period (.) to less than mintmark size. Not readily visible to the naked eye but clearly visible under magnification. >>



I hate to say it, but about a year ago I was shown a really nice 22 Plain Strong Reverse that should have been in the range of 63 RB but came back BB for "environmental damage". It had lots of tiny carbon spots just as you describe. My guess is that someone sneezed on the coin a long time ago. Last I heard, the owner was going to try to resubmit. It *was* a nice coin, and worth significant money in 63 RB.

Every case is unique, but that would seem to be the worse-case scenario...

jonathan

merz2

Beeman
David Hall told me carbon spots can reduce grade as much as (2) points depending on location and size.

solid

Not speaking for PCGS, but for me personally, carbon spots can kill
an otherwise great coin. I look at lots of colorfully toned nickels,
and unfortunately, many suffer from carbon spot syndrome...it's
almost as if the the two go hand-in-hand.

When I find a colorful coin that is free of spotting, I tend to jump on it!

Ken

Mark

I concur with solid: A coin with even one carbon spot is not for me. Ditto for fingerprints. But these are personal decisions. Others might not be as turned off by carbon spots (or fingerprints).

Mark