Problem Coins

cameron12x

This probably sounds like a crazy question (and it is), but I'll pose it anyway:

Of all the SURVIVING pre-circa 1900 coins what percentage of them would you estimate to be classified as "problem coins."

daOnlyBG

From all the coin shows I've attended, I'd say I've seen 1 problem coin for every 24 non-problem coins made before 1900. 1/(1+24)=0.04, so... 4%.

Idk.. tough question I guess

OldEastside

58.6% allthough the criteria used to exact this figure is controversial
and is subject to many opinions and there related interpretation of
existing market conditions based on................I Don't Know

Steve

Overdate

I would guess around 70%. Quite a few show up on eBay, and many more probably would if they had enough value to be worth listing. With coinage the primary form of money in the 19th Century, many coins saw long and hard circulation, resulting in much wear and damage.

magikbilly

Proof coins - a decent number. Dipped, wiped, cabinet friction, etc. Not all by any means. Collectors has different idea about storage and what was acceptable for "maintenance".

Eric

rec78

I would estimate 31-78% or somewhere inbetween. If you call cleaned coins, problem coins, then the percentage is more close to 78. If you do not I would say 39%. The problem with problem coins is that they are always on the market thus making the percentage seem higher than it is. The opinion expressed in this text is mine and mine alone. No surveys or professionals statistics were used in these estimates.

When does a coin become a problem coin? Is a coin with a tiny nick unnoticable without a glass a problem coin? Is a cleaned coin always a problem coin? The big problem coins like those that are repaired,whizzed,buffed, or AT'ed are easy to call problem coins. Is an AU coin with a light scratch a problem coin, while the same coin in vg condition with the same light scratch not a problem coin?

Bob

Baley

<< <i>This probably sounds like a crazy question (and it is), but I'll pose it anyway:

Of all the SURVIVING pre-circa 1900 coins what percentage of them would you estimate to be classified as "problem coins." >>



All of them that grade less than MS70 or PR70 have problems, such as marks, wear, toning, etc.

It's just a matter of degree. I personally find the concept of "problem" in terms of black or white yes/no as an illogical concept, a construct of "the coin industry"

the industry and many (most) of its members prefer to draw a line between what is acceptable and what is not.

it's a fuzzy line.

sniocsu

Say 1790s-1800s; ~70% and up using a strict definition. 1810s-1850s, significantly lower; say 30-50% depending on the series (lets face it, certain coins were not used nearly as much as others) and later issues, closer to 1900, I would say that anywhere from 10-30% are problem coins

cameron12x

OK, I'll narrow the definition of "problem coin."

How about that any coin which would not pass muster (slab) with a TPG (PCGS, NGG, ANACS).