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I never have bought a dipped coin...QUESTION??
saintguru
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What is the highest grade that you own or have seen first-hand that was dipped?
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Absolutely NONE! I wouldn't even consider buying a dipped coin!
Two of the most important words in coin collecting for me are, ORIGINAL SURFACES.
By the way, I have never dipped a coin and hope that I own no dipped coins now.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Of course, it has always been said that many of the Unc. Morgans in the market have been dipped, but it's always hard to tell, when so many of the coins are available in bright, white MS-65 or better.
Check out the Southern Gold Society
That's why I always prefer to purchase the PCGS certified Carson City Morgans with the "GSA" designation, because I (think) know that the coins have not been altered since being encapsulated in their U.S. Govt GSA holders.
You can accomplish the same thing by purchasing the coins in original U.S. Govt GSA holders, but would (understandably) pay a premium for them in original packaging. I've got a few of those when they were considered unpopular because of their bulk.
Stuart
Collect 18th & 19th Century US Type Coins, Silver Dollars, $20 Gold Double Eagles and World Crowns & Talers with High Eye Appeal
"Luck is what happens when Preparation meets Opportunity"
Sleep well tonight for the 82nd Airborne Division is on point for the nation.
AIRBORNE!
Al
rainbowroosie April 1, 2003
I've seen a handful of MS68 half dimes, dimes, and quarters that have been dipped. Dipped MS67's are common as all heck. But you'd think they'd leave MS68 for "real" coins. The world's finest no drapery quarter is a MS68 - from both services. It's a monster...but probably dipped once in its life. That is one coin I would love to own and make an exception. Seated halves in dipped MS68 are not very prevalent, if at all. I cannot recall seeing one though I'm sure one has been graded.
As far as what I own? I've had some dipped coins to be sure.
Certainly MS66's and possibly an MS67 or two. But I hate to own these coins and only buy them to flip as I feel they have limited potential. What few I did have got tossed out in the last few years.
I don't think I currently own a single dipped MS or PF seated coin.
It's too far along in this market up cycle to be hanging on to those.
I am very uncomfortable when I own one of these as I invariably have a tough time making a profit on them. They are a tough sell as the majority have burned luster....a major no-no in my book.
I saw an NGC PF69 1890 seated quarter that was undoubtedly dipped. It had scuffs on it too. But had a nice appearance. Most seated DCAMs are dippos....I prefer to stop at the CAMs since they can still be toned and original and get that designation.
roadrunner
<< <i>If you think you can tell an original silver coin that has had one 5 second dip -- I've got land for you just West of me -- in the Everglades....
This is one of many reasons that unless a blast "white" coin has absolute blazing luster, I won't give it a second look.
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
As far as I know dip solution came into vogue in the early 1970's. If it came in earlier than that I was unaware. There really wasn't a need for it and the price between ave MS coins and gems was not that huge. From what I've seen the dipping of gem and choice seated material did not begin in earnest until the 1980's. Hence I'd like to think I can tell the difference between those and undipped specimens. The oldtimers really cleaned their coins abrasively so the resultant hairlines under that lovely toning gives them away.
Hey, if you're gonna clean them give all ya got, scrub away.
roadrunner
<< <i>I'm sure there are more than a few collectors who believe none of the coins in their collections are dipped or cleaned and that most are wrong. >>
Best thing to do might be go with a very knowledgeable buddy and have him/her discreetly point out coins in TPGs that he/she believes are dipped. If expertly done, it is very tough to tell. Overdipped coins and harshly cleaned coins might be spotted a mile away, but the expert jobs are very tough. On some other thread, one dealer said words to effect "we've all done it," referring to dipping. Depending on how often they've all done it, one might infer that there are a lot of dipped coins out in the market.
I can tell a story. Several years back I wanted to buy a white AU Barber half with luster. I walked the floor at a major show and found a nice looking coin in a top tier holder. I asked a more knowledgeable, more experienced friend to have a look. To my shock he told me it looked dipped to him (away from the dealer's table). That was a splash of cold water to my face. I think a lot of less experienced collectors are still waiting for their wake up call.
MS: 68 (Barber Quarter)
PR: 69UCAM (Modern)
BTW, I saw them, but did not dip 'em; I also, I have not owned either coin.
Overland Trail Collection Showcase
Dahlonega Type Set-2008 PCGS Best Exhibited Set
<< <i>If the dipping is expertly done and nobody can tell that it is dipped, why would anyone object? >>
First is the idea of deception, that the dipper should disclose instead of try to deceive. Second, there are a limited number of original coins with provenance. Dipping often "improves" the appearance, getting the coins a bump up in grade, but the provenance and history are lost forever. Third, some people can tell, and if they can't be sure, they will definitely suspect.
The coin got dipped out to go 67 as I recall. May be a 68 today.
In any case the dipper double his money....made $125,000 or so.
But lessened a great coin otherwise imo. No one had thought to dip that coin until PCGS came into being now that MS67 meant double the price to MS66.
roadrunner
<< <i>You think I am one of them?
yup, all your saints are.
jk, you have beautiful coins (from the pics i have seen). you have a great eye for exceptional coins!
Maybe it's the TYPE of coin, but with Saints there is a very distinct number of qualities that will tell you if a coin has "natural" surfaces. A light orange skin, a shimmering luminescence that can be best seen when angleing the coin very slightly. Many dates have a soft muted lustre, and without listing those dates if I saw one that was too flashy it was a dead give-away. I do think that it's easier with these 20th centure gold coins. There was very little that came in contact with them to compete with their natural state, since 99.99% of them didn't go into circulation.
One great guide was David Akerst Handbook Of 20th Century Gold. In it he describes the exact characteristics of every date with uncanny accuracy! I followed his descriptions, my eyes and sometimes the eyes of my mentor, Steve Duckor, who would scope out coins in the Long Beach auctions before I'd bid on anything.
As to my question, I really wondered if at some point dipping would put a ceiling on a coin's grade. By the comments here I see the answer really is NO.
Thanks for the input!
If I had it my way, stupidity would be painful!