Spots on coins...can you HANDLE it?

ANACONDA

I can't. I hate spots. I'm not saying I hate very, very small well hidden spots, but even a small spot in an obtrusive area bugs the heck out of me. I can handle some small parallel lines which would probably indicate a fingerprint but spots just kill the coin for me. "Fly specks" (usually actually caused by spittle) on copper don't make me happy but if they're really just specks, I can handle a few of them.

ER

Depends on size and location, but in general, no.

Boom

I have a couple original pieces that are deserving of submission. Very well struck with beautiful, original album toning & unbroken luster but there are two little spots (looks like where a fly took a crap or something (not really - just trying to give you some imagery to work with here)

Coins are pristine but these two little piles of fly poo need to come off without bothering the coin or leaving any evidence that they were worked on then they'd have great shots at Superb BU.

Anybody know how to get this off safely without messing up it's beautiful crescent toning? It's silver, BTW.

Wait, I may still have it loaded in my Photobucket acct. Feel free to opine while I check.

I KNOW these coins will go if I can just get that flea-doo off. Drives me nutz.
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Here ya go. These 2 little pile of flea-poo need to go.

jayboxx

What if the spot was on a extremely rare coin that was not likely to come around again for years, and you need it for your collection?

ER

<< <i>What if the spot was on a extremely rare coin that was not likely to come around again for years, and you need it for your collection? >>



Exception to the rule.

Boom

<< <i>What if the spot was on a extremely rare coin that was not likely to come around again for years, and you need it for your collection? >>



Ah, but you see ... it is and I can use it and I was hoping a thread like this would come along. This is why this intenionally is NOT the most flattering of pix and precisely why I am not showing the Obverse.

The other side, the so called "money side" is KILLER and but for the 2 piles of whatever and two very minor distractions this piece is quite old to this series and otherwise perfect.

Luster is awesome and it's all original inluding the album toning.

jayboxx

Or, what if it was a otherwise very attractive coin, lower pop (say 15 at that level and 3 higher), and could be had for at least 1/3 less than any other coin of similar quality (without the spot obviously)?

Boom

I don't follow you. I am not looking to alter the coin or to sell it off. I want to get those off and get it to grade and add to my personal collection.

If I wanted to make money on it I could do so TODAY. Money is not the issue. I just want to get those two turds off my coin, submit it and add it to my collection.

ANACONDA

An example of a spot I CAN live with:

MrSpud

I can handle spots. I know they take away from the eye appeal of the coin, but I can appreciate the rest of the coin and not just focus on the spot. Spots are what they are. I also don't spray insecticides on my garden and can live with a few imperfections on the plants.

Boom

That's nice Adrian. What a beauty. My piece is really nice but I know those two little dots are going to affect the grade and that's sad.

MikeKing

<< <i>An example of a spot I CAN live with:

>>



that is ONE spot I certainly could NOT handle.

CoinResource

hate em

jayboxx

Here is a nice looking half, but the spot on the reverse is pretty obvious

Boom

It is nice. What exactly do you think caused that spot?

jayboxx

It is nice. What exactly do you think caused that spot?

I don't really know. I had it for viewing for a few days, and the color is quite nice, but had to think about that spot. I did not end up buying it though.

majorbigtime

I dislike spotted copper or nickel coins, and am concerned that the spots will only grow over time. That's the reason I believe copper or nickel pieces should be purchased at a shop or show.

Unfortunately, a good glass sometimes fails to reveal tiny spots that can be seen under a coin microscope.

I'm not as concerned about spotted silver. If the spots are bad, usually a little dip will cure the problem (not that I particularily advocate dipping). I'd place spots on gold somewhere in-between.

mgoodm3

i don't like spots.

mozin

Spots or stains rule the coin out for me.

grip

A microscope and a thorn for minute specks,and be very carefull.I read it someplace
Al

stman

For coins easily found and replaced, no I don't care for spots. For a very tough classic coin, yes I make exceptions and take the over-all piece in balance. My icon coin is an example, it's an 1807 Turban half in a p55 holder. It has a spot right on the cheek. These are very tough to find in any decent condition let alone with nice color and luster. So when this piece was sent on approval to me I just said.... "oh my." I loved it and although
I wish it didn't have a spot..... go try and find a few to choose from. Most have seen it here..... and since it's offered for trade on the BST I better not post it here. BTW, the spot is not into the coin, it is still the same now as when I bought it, and expect it to stay the same. Perhaps NCS could "fix" it for me?

mirabela

I don't like them. The fact is, though, that on my budget, if I insisted on really perfect coins, I'd have a collection of three pieces, or maybe four. So, every coin I include in my collection has its tradeoffs. If a spot doesn't draw attention in context, and the coin's merits balance it out, I'll still consider it.

Shamika

The only thing I hate more than spots are fingerprints. I can live with a well hidden or microscopic spot, but even the hint of a fingerprint rules a coin unacceptable to me.

Myqqy

but these two little piles of fly poo need to come off
These 2 little pile of flea-poo need to go.
I KNOW these coins will go if I can just get that flea-doo off



God, I needed a good laugh.... I'm sorry about the spots, but your comments are funny.....

Boom

Well, I am truly happy that I made someone laugh today. I wrote it as such to do just that ... to make light of all this,

to be sincere yet do it in such a way as to make someone laugh. Mission accomplished.