I Could Not Stop Him!

This kind of explanation might fly a bit better in these cases of ignorant n00bs.

As Numismatists most just don't understand those that are not. Stop and think how difficult it is for people to clean all their Silver ware eating type items, but not Silver Coins? Why should you not clean an 200 year old table but spend hours washing and waxing a pile of metal and plastic called a car? Some spend hours cleaning and oiling a gun they just used but should never clean one that is a 100 years old? Look at that old Roman ruin. Why not tear it down and put in a decent shopping mall? And as to dirty coins? Why not clean them so they don't contaminate your pockets and/or purses? And that silly flashing light on my dashboard that says check engine? Now isn't that a dumb thing to put on cars?
I always remember when I was a kid and showed anyone my coins, the first thing many said was you should clean them. They all look so dirty. And as kids we all did that.

Just saw him today. Told him his Morgan is worth melt, dimes melt, nickels 5 cents.

It's a shame, but I didn't know any better a couple of years ago.

Although I knew that silver polish would be a bad idea simply because I have polished silver and seen what it does. But I would not have known not to wash coins or wipe them off. I had never looked at a coin with a magnifying glass.

My coins got a break simply because I just never got around to organizing all the stuff I'd been hoarding.

But I do know how maddening it is when you try to advise someone and they just ignore what you tell them -- even though they call asking for information....

This guy, yeah.

Oh, this post needs a "feel-good" reply.
Mother of sister's best friend wanted help with a few coins.
And I said, "Sure, but do not clean them."
Sister added, "Listen to Matthew: DO NOT CLEAN THEM!"
Sister has been educated, for several years now, as to what we have. Although she has no interest in coins she IS interested in what I am doing with them.
Mom did as she was told.

Well, nothing special.
Kennedy halves I separated into silver and non-silver. Told her, "Take these to the bank."
Sold the silver.
Told her to give the few Indian Head cents to her grandsons.
Kept a few of the odd European coins from the turn of the century.

But OH!
There, in this unremarkable mix of ordinary coins, was an 1864 2 Cent piece in AT LEAST very fine if not higher condition!

And I shudder to think, after reading this post, what my reaction would have been if she had disregarded our advice and cleaned the coins.

She was happy with the money that I gave here.
And I just LOVE that 2 Cent piece.

Just WHY is our opinion sought if the questioner just goes ahead and does what he/she does?
Because ...

It is good to see that you are taking your time and educating yourself before taking any chances.