Why is an old scratch not as bad as a new scratch?

bosco5041

I'm talking about light scratches on older coins ( Draped bust, bust,maybe a little later coins.) I see it in print a lot selling coins.The scratch can be the same size but if its a new scratch its always worse, is it because it is shiny inside and shows up more?

rec78

<< <i>I'm talking about light scratches on older coins ( Draped bust, bust,maybe a little later coins.) I see it in print a lot selling coins.The scratch can be the same size but if its a new scratch its always worse, is it because it is shiny inside and shows up more? >>


Yes, more noticeable.

airplanenut

Older scratches are often less noticeable since the coin has likely toned (scratch included) over time, while a new scratch exposes fresh metal that isn't the color of the surrounding coin. Also, if the coin circulated after the scratch was made, the scratch can get worn down a bit so it is smoother and overall, possibly a bit shallower.

One other consideration is that an old scratch may well have come about through circulation and is, to an extent, natural. A new scratch is most often the result of a collector or dealer handing a coin sloppily.

bosco5041

Thanks for the replies guys, Thats what I thought, I have an early dime with a very very light scratch on the reverse. It is a recent scratch and it shows up more than I like if you know where its at, probably a staple scratch, if it was an old scratch it would hardly be noticed.

BillJones

A couple of reasons.

First, the old scratch is usually blended in via toning with the rest of the surfaces and does show as much.

Second, a new scratch indicates that some modern dooffus has mishandled a coin which angers some collectors. In the old days, an injury could be excused because the piece was a coin of the realm and was being used in the economy. After it became a collectors' item one would expect better care. That's why collectors view numismatic sins like staple scratches and album slide marks in such a negative light.

keyman64

Toned over....age. Less noticable....as others have said.

BaseballAbs

<< <i>A couple of reasons.

First, the old scratch is usually blended in via toning with the rest of the surfaces and does show as much.

Second, a new scratch indicates that some modern dooffus has mishandled a coin which angers some collectors. In the old days, an injury could be excused because the piece was a coin of the realm and was being used in the economy. After it became a collectors' item one would expect better care. That's why collectors view numismatic sins like staple scratches and album slide marks in such a negative light. >>



That's the best answer your going to get.

shorecoll

I agree with Bill and the way I put it is we are far more likely to forgive old idiots than new idiots.

LindeDad

<< <i>I agree with Bill and the way I put it is we are far more likely to forgive old idiots than new idiots. >>



At last I am given a free pass.....

jmski52

I have one of those type of coins. It appalled me to look at the scratch, but the more I looked the more I began to appreciate the coin behind the scratch.

stealer

<< <i>I have one of those type of coins. It appalled me to look at the scratch, but the more I looked the more I began to appreciate the coin behind the scratch.

>>


Looks like a die crack to me

rhedden

I think he was being facetious, but if not, he'll be pleasantly surprised when he finds out it's not scratched. That's a heck of a 1794, by the way. S70?

WinPitcher

New ones are worse because those are the ones we do ourselves
the older ones were done by some other knucklehead.

jmski52

The light scratch is vertical and fairly long - you can see it in the pic. S-70, I don't remember. I'd have to look at Sheldon, or my records. S-72 comes to mind.

bosco5041

Yes, thats what I'm talking about. Just enough to bug you but not real bad. Makes me want to carry it (Mine) in my pocket for a week but its in a PCGS OGH so thats not going to happen.

jmski52

It's exactly what I said - I decided that I'd rather have that coin than not, even at the price. The die crack is pretty cool, too. I think it does depend on the coin.

JRocco

Because it's a great marketing ploy.

BUFFNIXX

An old scratch is sometimes referred to as a "weathered scratch". it has a tendency to blend in with the coin and is usually not as detracting to eye appeal as a new scratch.