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Should all cleaned coins be labelled "Questionable Provenance"?

jmski52jmski52 Posts: 23,951 ✭✭✭✭✭
Since cleaning removes some of the original metal ions from the face of the coin, why shouldn't that affect the coin's original status, and more significantly, it's "history"? Dip it enough, and it's just a metal disk. Where's the fine line? Why should there be a line, at all? Who can say how many trips to the bath it's already had?

While the classic crowd agonizes over what's market-acceptable, I'll be scooping up well-executed and great-looking Moderns without a concern over original surfaces, altered mintmarks and toned-over hairlines. I'll have the pleasure of enjoying a coin that I know to be both beautiful and 100% original.
Q: Are You Printing Money? Bernanke: Not Literally

I knew it would happen.

Comments

  • RegistryCoinRegistryCoin Posts: 5,129 ✭✭✭✭
    What about ultrasonic cleaners as used for jewelry? Has anyone used these? They don't remove any metal, and don't leave any marks, as far as I know.
  • DoogyDoogy Posts: 4,508


    << <i>Since cleaning removes some of the original metal ions from the face of the coin, why shouldn't that affect the coin's original status, and more significantly, it's "history"? Dip it enough, and it's just a metal disk. Where's the fine line? Why should there be a line, at all? Who can say how many trips to the bath it's already had?

    While the classic crowd agonizes over what's market-acceptable, I'll be scooping up well-executed and great-looking Moderns without a concern over original surfaces, altered mintmarks and toned-over hairlines. I'll have the pleasure of enjoying a coin that I know to be both beautiful and 100% original. >>




    Good point! I've read that PCGS and NGC has started putting pedigrees on it's ultra-modern NCLTs and bullion. In an attempt to satisfy the cries from modern collectors wanting such a designation, PCGS decided to give an example of how it will look on the slab's label:

    Mint - customer - PCGS - customer

    This added pedigree will be added onto the grading fees for an additional $10 and bulk orders will of course be given a discount. With the new pedigree, high-end coin auction companies can now utilize flowery prose when describing one for auction:

    "here we have a beautifully minted American Silver Eagle bullion coin, graded PF 70 by PCGS. After being hastily minted by a government employee and packed for shipping, it was hastily sent in the sealed box to PCGS where it not only was awarded the 'First Strike' designation, but is the proud recipient of the pedigree shown on the slab. Upon receipt at PCGS it was hastily graded and sent back to the owner where it resided until only a few days ago. What a key piece of numismatic history, one that is sure to be a firm part of our numismatic heritage. Bid high and bid often, you won't find a gem like this every day!"


  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    An ultrasonic cleaner, depending on medium used, and intensity set, can alter the surface of metal... pitting or general dullness results. I have done it... Cheers, RickO
  • lathmachlathmach Posts: 4,720


    << <i>Since cleaning removes some of the original metal ions from the face of the coin, why shouldn't that affect the coin's original status, and more significantly, it's "history"? Dip it enough, and it's just a metal disk. Where's the fine line? Why should there be a line, at all? Who can say how many trips to the bath it's already had?

    While the classic crowd agonizes over what's market-acceptable, I'll be scooping up well-executed and great-looking Moderns without a concern over original surfaces, altered mintmarks and toned-over hairlines. I'll have the pleasure of enjoying a coin that I know to be both beautiful and 100% original. >>




    This will help you in scooping them up. It was made specifically for scooping up this sort of thing.
    I'll stick with the Seated Quarters myself. Oh, and thanks for buying the modern junk. You're one less guy I have to compete with.

    Ray
  • MrEurekaMrEureka Posts: 24,667 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Provenance refers to the chain of ownership, not to the degree of originality.
    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.

    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
  • jmski52jmski52 Posts: 23,951 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Provenance refers to the chain of ownership, not to the degree of originality.

    Thanks Andy, I stand corrected. I should probably have asked a different question.

    Such as, "Should toned coins be considered as having environmental damage, and be downgraded regardless of the originality of the toning?"

    In fact, that's what I'm gonna ask.
    Q: Are You Printing Money? Bernanke: Not Literally

    I knew it would happen.
  • MrEurekaMrEureka Posts: 24,667 ✭✭✭✭✭
    "Should toned coins be considered as having environmental damage, and be downgraded regardless of the originality of the toning?"

    Of course not.
    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.

    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
  • ColonialCoinUnionColonialCoinUnion Posts: 10,087 ✭✭✭


    << <i>"Should toned coins be considered as having environmental damage, and be downgraded regardless of the originality of the toning?" >>



    Considered by whom? You? Fine - go ahead.
  • RYKRYK Posts: 35,800 ✭✭✭✭✭
    While the classic crowd agonizes over what's market-acceptable, I'll be scooping up well-executed and great-looking Moderns without a concern over original surfaces, altered mintmarks and toned-over hairlines. I'll have the pleasure of enjoying a coin that I know to be both beautiful and 100% original.

    Great. Enjoy yourself. That's what coin collecting is all about.

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