carbon spots

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Hedger
Hedger Posts: 1,238
in U.S. Coin Forum
Are very tiny carbon spots acceptable on higher grade Lincolns in red/brown? Should I get rid of them for ones that do not have any spots? These spots (2 tiny specs) are in the field of the coins on the reverse. Thanks for the input.

Hedger

Comments

  • nwcs
    nwcs Posts: 13,386 ✭✭✭
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    Carbon spots will lower the overall grade. Depending on size and severity. Myself, I'd choose one without spots. Unless the spots were such that they didn't bother me.
    Blog and Pics
  • hookedoncoins
    hookedoncoins Posts: 1,239 ✭✭✭
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    I know for many coins, MS64 is the highest a coin can grade with carbon spots (there are some exceptions); however, I have heard that it may be a little higher with lincolns. Maybe MS65 or so as the highest possible grade (once again with exceptions).
  • Shamika
    Shamika Posts: 18,785 ✭✭✭✭
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    It depends on how big they are and where they are located. I've seen MS67RD cents with a tiny carbon spot or two.
    Buyer and seller of vintage coin boards!
  • Coppernicus
    Coppernicus Posts: 1,764 ✭
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    Flyspeck size spots not in a major focal area will not hurt the grade too much. However, if you see a PCGS MS67 with larger spots and or small ones in a prime focal area, there's a good chance they appeared after the coin was slabbed. A true 67 should not have these - even a 66 would be suspect! My 66 and 67s are free of carbon spots, except a few which will only show up under high magnification, i.e. higher power than a loupe.

    Mike
    Coppernicus

    Lincoln Wheats (1909 - 1958) Basic Set - Always Interested in Upgrading!
  • ibzman350
    ibzman350 Posts: 5,315 ✭
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    being a new guy...a spot is a spot. what's the difference a carbon and none carbon spot ?

    Herb
    Remember it's not how you pick your nose that matters, it's where you put the boogers.
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  • lava
    lava Posts: 3,287 ✭✭✭
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    There are two aspects to spots, carbon or otherwise. The question starting the thread focuses on the impact of the spot on the grade. Regardless of grade, spots also affect eye appeal, and typically make the coin less desirable for its assigned grade. Spots annoy the hell out of me, but maybe I'm just picky. Michael and Janet Jackson annoy the hell out of me too.
    I brake for ear bars.
  • ibzman350
    ibzman350 Posts: 5,315 ✭
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    "Janet Jackson annoy the hell out of me too" yea ...she has a spot also, I saw it on TV during the superbowl

    Herb
    Remember it's not how you pick your nose that matters, it's where you put the boogers.
    imageimageimage
  • Cougar1978
    Cougar1978 Posts: 10,067 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Never liked spotted coins - tough to sell too. Best thing - avoid them.

    Investor
  • Insider3
    Insider3 Posts: 260 ✭✭✭
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    @ibzman350 said:
    being a new guy...a spot is a spot. what's the difference a carbon and none carbon spot ?

    Herb

    One is generally black and the other is usually reddish.

  • Jimnight
    Jimnight Posts: 10,846 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I personally do not like white milk spots or carbon spots.

  • lusterlover
    lusterlover Posts: 1,286 ✭✭✭✭
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    The delineation I like to make is that carbon spots/issues are IN the coin and growing. Typically caused by moisture or other contaminant. Non-carbon spots are typically ON the coin and are surface crust which aren't damaging the coin. In many cases, these can be easily removed. These typically don't hurt the grade as they are a sign of originality.

    pcgs.com/SetRegistry/half-cents/lincoln-cents-specialty-sets/lincoln-cents-basic-set-colorless-matte-proof-1909-1916/publishedset/102180
    https://pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase/2819
  • PerryHall
    PerryHall Posts: 47,749 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @lusterlover said:
    The delineation I like to make is that carbon spots/issues are IN the coin and growing.

    I didn't think carbon spots continued to grow if a coin is properly stored.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • lusterlover
    lusterlover Posts: 1,286 ✭✭✭✭
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    @PerryHall said:

    @lusterlover said:
    The delineation I like to make is that carbon spots/issues are IN the coin and growing.

    I didn't think carbon spots continued to grow if a coin is properly stored.

    You're probably right about that. I've seen some get worse over time and others not.

    pcgs.com/SetRegistry/half-cents/lincoln-cents-specialty-sets/lincoln-cents-basic-set-colorless-matte-proof-1909-1916/publishedset/102180
    https://pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase/2819
  • Cougar1978
    Cougar1978 Posts: 10,067 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 6, 2024 12:29PM
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    Even very small carbon spots can be a deal breaker on a beautiful gem Morgan Dollar. Jimmy had one like that, got tired of dropping price to move that, then finally blew it out on the bay starting it at melt.

    Some black spots could be evidence of biological attack and increase over time.

    Investor beware.

    Investor
  • Cougar1978
    Cougar1978 Posts: 10,067 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 6, 2024 12:37PM
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    Whats the highest grade u seen some black spotted coins at or what some call the walking dead. Perhaps a poll.

    Investor
  • oldabeintx
    oldabeintx Posts: 3,214 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Once I notice carbon spots I just can't unsee them. Like other distractions on a coin.

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