Do collectors have any obligation to identify doctored coins, or should we outsource it to the TPGs?

Longacre

I believe this is a simple question. As collectors, do we have any obligation to identify doctored coins (whether in a slab or not), or is it acceptable to outsource that obligation to the TPGs, because they have the time and money to do so on our behalf?

Steve27

Do you believe collectors have the capability to make such determinations?

AngryTurtle

I have always been troubled by the "Collectors should educate themselves before buying anything, and if they get taken its there own fault" mentality. - For those that think I have misparaphrased this, give me your version.

While I agree collector education is very important, Coins are doctored by full time professionals (aka Coin Docs) to fool full time professionals - coin dealers and graders. To expect a self taught amateur to be able to identify doctored coins is just not going to work.

TahoeDale

Yes, we do, as to the kind of "doctoring" that comes with experience within a particular series.

At least to be aware of the AT and AS problems we have learned to identify.

Just recently, in discussing a raw CBH in an upcoming auction, I was asked by another collector what I thought about the grading possibility of one that was technically 63/64, but had very unusual golden toning, that I believed was not natural.

Since I have viewed thousands of CBH's, and have had several that were graded AT/AS, I was in a position to advise.

However, I do not believe I am required to tell the world of my opinion. Or to examine this particular coin in hand.

SeaEagleCoins

I was under the impression that this was your responsibility... Mr Long-bellyacher"

So get your staff to work and stop trying to pass the buck... after all, all the bucks belong to me...



Signed...

...The Man

kurtdog

<< <i>I believe this is a simple question. As collectors, do we have any obligation to identify doctored coins (whether in a slab or not), or is it acceptable to outsource that obligation to the TPGs, because they have the time and money to do so on our behalf? >>

The definition of "doctored coins" being arbitrary and capricious, at best, I believe your simple question is meaningless, I have to tell you. Were you to have asked this question in reference to counterfeit coins, my position would be, yes, of course, to the extent we were capable.