Options
PCGS Restoration ? Would this benefit or be worthy of sending in? 1941 Walking Lib Proof
Matt04
Posts: 236 ✭✭✭
I have this 1941 Walking Liberty Proof in an older PCGS holder, the toning is ok. Curious if this would be a coin that would benefit from what PCGS Offers for restoration?
0
Comments
In my experience, restoration is a gamble. You’re likely to get back a dipped coin that may be mostly white but could show shadows of old issues and a look you don’t love. A dip could reveal currently hidden imperfections that would be particularly noticeable on a proof coin.
My suggestions: Keep it as is or sell it and buy one more in-line with what you desire. In PF65, these are more affordable now than they have been in a long time. Surely you’ll be able to find one that fits your eye.
Looks like it turned from a bad dip, so I would give restoration a shot.
Of course, OP could just simply request that PCGS not use acid during conservation if he desires.
I vote yes on conservation if OP thinks paying 3% of the coin's value plus grading fees is worth it. PCGS's grade guarantee for conserved coins is always a plus.
I’d sell the coin and move on, rather than spend the time and money to have it conserved.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
This, the question isn't can it be conserved, it is if the time and upside is worth the difference in price when wholesaled
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set
I agree with the above, a 1941 Proof WLH is easy to come by, even the missing designer's initials variety.
I don't think that coin would conserve well.
Collector, occasional seller
I did think about purchasing a complete set of 1942 proof issues, all six, off and only and now and then. Recently I came across a 1942 in my LCS which was bright and clean for that vintage, and it started the ball rolling. I ended up with all six being PCGS TrueView examples, MS65 and MS66 (three of each). My take is go for one that catches your eye, also given the price of these low when looking back at history in the under 60 year time frame, though real quality ones are pricey, as they should be.
Sell it. I’m not a fan of restoration.
Dave
What would that cost all in? Restoration, regrade, shipping to and from? $150?
If so that would be more than 30% of the value of the coin. Not worth it. I would try the BST than if no takers, send to GC.
God comes first in everything I do. I’m dedicated to serving Him with my whole life. Coin collecting is just a hobby—but even in that, I seek to honor Him. ✝️
OK Cougar... lol. "Blow it out on the bay..."
The thing is, we don't know what OP paid. Often times you can get slightly impaired coins at a discount that makes the gamble worthwhile. It is valuable to know what resources are available and how to use them.
I have restored a number of coins with PCGS and posted my results on here in this forum (search for restoration before and after). Sometimes the toning is etched into the metal and the appearance cannot be improved. Sometimes it works really well. This is perhaps one of the most dramatic improvements I've had.
http://ProofCollection.Net
I don’t think the decision whether to have the coin conserved should be based upon its cost. Far more important is 1) how much the owner cares about keeping that particular example; 2) the likelihood that the coin can be conserved to the desired look and 3) the cost of conservation measured against the potential added “value” to the owner. Those considerations should apply no matter how little or much the coin cost.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
It's too bad that there isn't a less expensive option, such as having a group to send in at the same time to split the costs up. For example I sent this cc $20 to NGC that had surface matter that I thought with the removal might have gotten a star upgrade, but didn't:
A local dealer thought that PCGS would call this "AU55" which I very much doubt.
I disagree. Cost should definitely factor in as a pre-purchase consideration (If I get this at the right price and it restores nicely I could wind up with a really nice coin at a discount of what a premium example would cost). But even post-purchase, the cost is irrelevant because the question is what can I (or my heirs) sell it for as-is vs restored which you hint at in reason #3 but it's broader than just "value to the owner" because ultimately the coin will be re-sold, unless you are hinting at restoration being more about your personal fulfilment regardless of economic consequence.
In the case of OP's coin, I assume that V6641 is the same as PCGS #890272 which has a PCGS population of 8. It's not like OP can just go find a different one he likes better. I think in this case it's more than worthwhile to maximize the coin and have PCGS take a crack at it. Also of additional benefit is hopefully getting them to change the coin number and label to reflect that it is No "AW" rather than a minor variety.
http://ProofCollection.Net
The OP apparently already owns the coin so any pre-purchase considerstion of cost is a moot point.
Additionally, no information has been provided regarding the extent of the owner’s attachment to the coin. So we don’t know if the population is even relevant.
Clearly, we have very different opinions and ways in which we’d address the situation. There’s no “right” answer, as the only thing that counts is what the owner wants to do.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Curation may be a viable option. It is all dependent upon the owner’s attachment to the Coin and how difficult finding another one might be.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
It's also dependent on PCGS. They will examine the coin to determine if they will be able to improve it or not and they may decline to conserve it.
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
If your 1941 Proof Walker just has some surface grime and is otherwise problem-free, PCGS Restoration could help improve its appearance without harming originality. Just be careful—people sometimes doctor coins that have already been cleaned or lightly scratched by adding artificial toning to get PCGS to call it “artificially toned” instead of “cleaned.” But in your case, if the coin is just dirty and not damaged, restoration might actually improve it without crossing that line. It really depends on how distracting the grime is and what your goals are—resale, upgrading the holder, or just better eye appeal.
God comes first in everything I do. I’m dedicated to serving Him with my whole life. Coin collecting is just a hobby—but even in that, I seek to honor Him. ✝️
I would give restoration a shot with our hosts. Mainly I wb curious to see what they can recover with it and at least be able to recover some of the loss. Or You could shop it around the bourse of a show to get an idea of offer for immediate liquidation as is.
Best of luck with it.