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There is no such thing as a Problem-Free coin
Baley
Posts: 22,663 ✭✭✭✭✭
Every coin has problems. The term "problem free" requires modifiers, such as "for the grade" and "visible using 5x magnification"
Some collectors view the "problem/problem-free" concept not as a clear binary line (such as the artificial and arbitrary grade/genuine binary distinction)
but rather as a continuum that is completely inseparable from the price of the coin.
What do you think about this?
Some collectors view the "problem/problem-free" concept not as a clear binary line (such as the artificial and arbitrary grade/genuine binary distinction)
but rather as a continuum that is completely inseparable from the price of the coin.
What do you think about this?
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
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Problem-free does not have to suggest the coin is virtually flawless but simply that there are no problems that would keep the coin from grading.
I would add just a caveat --- the word "problem" could be interpreted as:
a. Anything at all on the final coin that was not on the galvano/master die (perhaps even including die wear?)
or
b. Anything at all on the coin that reflects action happening to it post-minting
One is a literal interpretation of the word, meaning a "problem" is anything other than what the designer intended, while the other is that a problem is anything reflecting wear or damage of any sort.
Interesting take, and I have no problem with it (oh, that was just cute!).
Drunner
(Still a Doily Slut)
Most of the problem error coins get stuck in rolling machines and get scratched (by someone trying to unstick the coin) or damaged by the machine itself.
I always avoid problem coins like above so I consider my whole collection as problem free.
While your premiss is correct that grading consists of basically a tally and weighting of detriments to the coin incurred since its manufacturing. I personally think all coins are special and the condition really only relates to marketability and price and with those in mind all coins are a compromise between desirability and affordability with people typically choosing the best compromise for their situation. Having enough disposable income to buy coins isn't a problem even if you can't affect the desirability you really really want.
<< <i>I think you are splitting hairs down to a philosophical level that has no practical relevance. >>
It's the argument of a sophist, much like saying there's no such thing as "original" when you take things
down to the atomic level.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
Eric
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
Most problem-free coins should be totally original, never screwed with, have no significant marks-scratches-dings-spots-scuffs-etc. for the assigned grade, and be well struck for the date/variety/type.
Market acceptable is not P-F as it already suggests the coin was given leeway in the grading process for something negative (typically marks, dipping, light cleaning, weak strike or eye appeal). There are very few P-F coins in any
grade as there is almost always some defect that exceeds the "normal" spectrum for that particular coin. Net or market grading is the balancing act of these deviations from the norm.
There are definitely problem-free coins as it pertains to normal to above normal attributes in every aspect of the coin's condition. It doesn't mean it's perfect. Even MS70 doesn't imply perfection (the ultimate problem-free).
I've yet to see a coin graded MS70 that didn't have a problem (ie a defect visible with 5X maginification). In circulated 19th silver coins a problem free coin tends to be one with typical wear, strike, for the grade, but far less marks
than would be expected. Any marks on that coin would be acceptable for coins graded 1-2 grades higher (ie a problem-free FINE has the marks normally seen on VF's-AU's).
The last problem-free coin I owned was an Anacs Good-4 1842-0 sd quarter. But, I soon discovered that the coin was only saleable at a 20% discount in that holder. When I got it into a PCGS Good-6 holder it was truly problem
free. The coin had mostly VG details, full and sharp rim, original patina, and surfaces as smooth as could be. There wasn't a hit on the coin that wouldn't have been acceptable on a VF-XF coin. That was problem-free....though
not perfect.
<< <i>Problem-free to me means that there are absolutely no below average characteristics for this coin in the grade in question. Of course, being over-graded is a problem in itself. >>
I like this way of thinking about it.
Problems travel with vantage a lot of times so as a goal its an moving target. Like many things - a matter of degree and mitigating factors.
Eric
Additionally, there is such a thing as a Market Acceptable coin. Problem coins are the ones that aren't Market Acceptable and one problem is that they can't get into Problem-Free holders.
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
A MS(Details) coin IS a problem coin.
A problem coin is a subjective area with tangents where agreement would vary. Many people have a problem with spots, toning, or fingermarks on mintstate coins. Others demand coins which are original and prefer toned coins (ideally with nice toning).
Eric
<< <i>I know of collectors and Dealers who think that ALL of my coins have problems and are more or less junk
Certainly the Mint thinks all your coins have problems
Wear is not a problem, nor is the normal variation (and ticks) in the manufacturing process.
Yes, there are differences in the types of problems as it is a generic terms for a whole host of issues.
A Market acceptable is a meaningless phrase. The only Market Unacceptable coins are ones that are counterfeited with an attempt to deceive.
Eric
I'd also like to see a 70 resubmit for some reason and come back 68 (not for a spot etc).
RAD#306
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
It's too dark!
It's got a carbon spot (or to some w/gold, a copper spot)!
It's too bright!
It's got too much chatter!
It's not a good strike for year and MM!
It's got a rim ding over there I can't live with!
It's so clean but that one mark destroys it!
Is the copper spot on the gold a problem? I picked that one because it is a feature of manufacture (other than strike strength - the copper spot is "further back" in the process). To me, not a problem at all. But when selling...
Most all of this, like the grade to start, is a matter of opinion.
Eric
Filed Rims - Rim(s) and/or edge is filed
Peeling Lamination - Potential for sealing damage.
Holed and/or Plugged - Any filled or non-filled hole.
Questionable Color - Any artificial re-toning & dipped copper.
Cleaning - Harsh cleaning or polishing.
Planchet Flaw - Generally large & prominent flaw(s).
Altered Surfaces Any applied substance (wax, putty, lacquer).
Scratch(s) Large & prominent scratch(s).
Environmental Damage - Corrosion, excessive toning, verdigris.
Damage - Any metal movement
PVC Residue - Oily polyvinylchloride substance.
And yes, this list has been lifted from PCGS.
Want to know a coin's problems? Just put up a clear, dinner-plate sized picture of the coin and ask for opinions
... and if it's "perfect", then the problem is that it's brand -new, with no artistry or history to it, and it's also very very common
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
<< <i>I think you are splitting hairs down to a philosophical level that has no practical relevance. >>
I agree with this completely.
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