Old Copper guys
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Would you rather have a coin with some green oxidation/corrosion or would you rather have a coin that has been thoroughly cleaned then retoned?
It seems to me that most copper dealers are selling their coins raw, and they all look to me to be suspiciously evenly toned.
Is this just an acceptable compromise since most of the early copper has been corroded?
It seems to me that most copper dealers are selling their coins raw, and they all look to me to be suspiciously evenly toned.
Is this just an acceptable compromise since most of the early copper has been corroded?
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That said, I do think a significant number of large cents were cleaned via a dipping, I guess to make them bright red or reddish, and many of these have either retoned over many years, or have been chemically assisted to appear more natural.
So, after some study, I think large cents that have been left alone with all their problems intact are the least desirable.
Coins that have been carefully but perhaps significantly 'doctored' to improve the eye appeal are readily accepted and can command strong bids, especially if they are high in the condition census and carry a respectable provenance.
And of course pristine original coins are the most desirable, but unless you are happy with only the late dates of the series, you better have a thick wallet to obtain these in the earlier years.
Hopefully some real experts will chime in on this thread!
You got to get the green stuff off of copper. Send it to someone who's done it before. Otherwise, it will consume your coin. If it's too much, don't buy it. you hear the term, net grade in copper a lot.
That's where copper and old gold have something in common. Finding original pieces is very hard and they usually go for Nx over the value in the price guides. The price guides for gold and copper assumed the coin has been messed with, especially for anything before 1850... IMHO
I'm sure Douglas Winter has found a small percent of the older coins original. He should start a CAC / Photoseal type of operation to Id them in my opinion. They are extremely rare... but most people just buy the holder...
and half cents You must of been peeking in my photobucket!
Given a choice I prefer the crusty ones.
Lance.
<< <i>I have no problem with circulated, old copper that has a little stable verdigris or gunk. Cleaned poorly, recolored, Blue Bonnet'd doesn't cut it.
Lance.
>>
I like the color!
Empty Nest Collection
Matt’s Mattes
<< <i>Would you rather have a coin with some green oxidation/corrosion or would you rather have a coin that has been thoroughly cleaned then retoned? >>
That all depends on how the coin looks.
Some people would shy away from a coin with a reverse like this:
Not me. I like it as is. Without the spots it's 2x to 4x the price and unaffordable to me....Mike
<< <i>
<< <i>Would you rather have a coin with some green oxidation/corrosion or would you rather have a coin that has been thoroughly cleaned then retoned? >>
That all depends on how the coin looks.
Some people would shy away from a coin with a reverse like this:
Not me. I like it as is. Without the spots it's 2x to 4x the price and unaffordable to me....Mike >>
I got scared for a moment... till I noticed it's a sweet & pretty monster!
--Jerry