Unc Cleaned coins vs. AU problem free coins

jcping

Which is the one you prefer? Unc detrail graded coin (cleaned) on holder or AU (or EF) straight grade?
In other words, how difficult to "make" Unc detail grade coins into AU straight grade holders? Can anyone share the experience with us?

Of course when a coin is cleaned, it could be harshly cleaned, improperly cleaned or cleaned marked in other TPG holders. I understand different efforts need to be done to "removed" the clean words

roadrunner

Purchased an AU58 1803 half dime that was technically unc, but had 85% of the luster hidden, cleaned surfaces, and a few gouges in focal areas. Next time I saw it, the coin was graded MS62. So you can have both.



While I'd normally prefer the problem free XF/AU, there are numerous coins where a cleaned unc is probably going to command a lot more than a problem free AU. How about an 1860-s or 1859-s quarter for example? The AU/UNC price spread plays a big role in this.

abitofthisabitofthat

I recently graded a bunch of nice Capped Bust Halves. Lots of AU 55s and 58s. One Unc detail cleaned (not to my eye). I sold almost every one of the AUs in Baltimore. No one even looked at the details Unc. It went back in with my last submission, and will hopefully come back AU58.

Details coins can be a tough sell

jcping

Let me re-phase my question. Will you find a way to lower Unc cleaned coin grade to AU or XF and put it into a straight grade holder? If you did it before, can you share your experience

lordmarcovan

I'll take an original straight-graded AU over an UNC with cleaning most of the time.



In certain rare circumstances, there might be exceptions, but generally speaking... no.

lordmarcovan

Originally posted by: jcping

Let me re-phase my question. Will you find a way to lower Unc cleaned coin grade to AU or XF and put it into a straight grade holder? If you did it before, can you share your experience

Oh. I see what you're getting at.



I dunno about that, but I've sometimes wondered.

ricko

Many here have resubmitted 'cleaned' coins and received straight grades....also, many have subjected 'cleaned' coins to tarnish treatments and then submitted and received straight grades... Your choice... Cheers, RickO

PTVETTER

If graded properly I would always prefer the AU coin.

Cougar1978

I do not buy problem or details coins.

My choice the non problem coin if lower grade / problem no go for me.

There are buyers for problem coins and I know of one dealer who specializes in these. His customers for most part crack out, put in albums.

TPRC

I have had wonderful success resubmitting details coins I believed in and receiving straight grades. However, when it comes to cleaned coins, my luck is almost 0%. For me, if a coin has enough of a look to merit a cleaned designation, it most often stays that way. So, give me the AU coin.

lkenefic

I'm not a fan of "details" coins either. The hit you take becomes evident when you go to sell them... even if you purchased at what you thought was a discounted price at the time. That said, I did make money off of coins that the seller thought were cleaned when I purchased, held onto them for a while... they retoned somewhat and then holder ed in a straight graded holder. All things considered... as a collector going on my third time around... I prefer lower graded problem free coins. Regardless of plastic...