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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,857 |
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New Member
Canada
7 Posts |
Hello everyone! I've just started a small coin collection for myself, and I have several questions. The two (rather different) things I've been focusing on are Tibetan coinage and coins from the British Empire relating to the current queen. One of my questions is (in the case of recently minted coins) if they come in a case from the mint, is it best to leave it in the plastic case it comes in or if I've got a free offer to have it graded does it make sense to have that done to it? Particularly with things like 1oz silver rounds. I'm aware that it probably isn't worth it to have it slabbed if I'm actually paying for it, but assuming I pay for a membership to a service and get X free per yeah and use X-1. Does it make more sense to leave it in the mint case or slab it?
Also, one thing relating to the Tibetan coins I've been wondering is while I've managed to track down some reasonable deals on VF+ to UNC Tibetan coins, but there is some tarnish on the silver on a couple of them. I haven't touched anything because I could forsee cleaning them being a kind of taboo thing, but I honestly don't know if I can/should clean them. I figure everyone here is likely to know!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5823 Posts |
 Igneous, Unless you know the coin from the Mint is really well struck that would grade above standard, than I would save it for another coin of higher value, most collector submit coins because the value warranty that it need to be graded for protection when to sell. As for cleaning, there are numerous posts from the past that tell you "Collectors Don't Like Their Coins Cleaned, except for ancient coins or coins that were dug up." Period! Unless you possess knowledgeable experience in cleaning, don't bother. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
DO NOT CLEAN YOUR COINS! It will diminish their value. There are threads on this forum that cover the subject and there are times when it is probably appropriate to conserve a coin that will rot away unless something is done, but you should take the time to educate yourself before you go that route -- if ever. Slabs are nice for newbies who want a guarantee that they aren't buying a fake. I just recently submitted my first two coins for grading/slabbing. They have no great monetary value but a lot of sentimental value and I wanted to keep them safe from the elements. If something is still in its mint packaging, I don't think I would get it slabbed. The possible exception would be if you thought you had an absolutely perfect coin and could expect to get a grade of Proof-70. Otherwise, I think the coins are better off as they are in their mint packaging. Since you do have the opportunity to have some coins graded, maybe you should consider other coins from your collection -- and keep a sharp eye out for that perfect coin! Good luck. |
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New Member
 Canada
7 Posts |
Thanks! I figured not cleaning them would be the reasonable route, with coins largely from the 1920 it's a bit of a pain since there's often a spot of mud in the gaps in places. I do figure I could get them graded as Proof-70, I bought them straight from the mint and they've never been removed from their casing, hence my confusion as to whether or not that would be a good idea.
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Welcome to Coin Community, Igneous. Having been forged in such heat, I suspect you'll be a solid member here.  You may assume that modern coins are minted to a consistent standard of quality previously unachievable anywhere. In the overwhelming majority of cases slabbing does not trump original packaging because the difference between "no added value" (call it MS/PF69) and "additional value" (call it MS/PF70) falls within the acceptable margin of error for even an experienced grader. This is the most polite way I can describe a practice which I actually feel rather more....visceral....about.... Ahem. As regards "tarnishing:" This is something which is a virtue to some, and a fault to others. It can be considered deliberate (bad) or accidental/situational (good), but in a plurality of cases only God can tell the difference and even He's not sure. So, for the moment, step away from the coin because the only universally-abhorrent numismatic practice is the cleaning of a coin which does not obviously require it. We can talk about this in more detail later. By way of welcoming you, allow me to offer one which passed through my collection previously - understanding the only constant in my collection is change, and my appreciation of it is rather like watching the stars progress overhead at night. They're there, they will be gone, and I am a mere spectator to the inevitable process....   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4897 Posts |
to CCF Igneous! Lots of great people here. Ask away with any question and likely someone will offer up some information. Superdave....nice Thangka. Those things are very interesting/frusterating. A dot here or there placed between this Auspicious symbol or that. Any idea what one you have? |
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New Member
Canada
7 Posts |
Beautiful coin! I've held off on picking up any Tankghas for now unless one happens to come my way. I'm headed to Nepal soon, and I've heard that's a really decent spot to pick up old Tibetan coins.
As for being forged in igneous heats, possibly, I'm an igneous petrologist!
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
, Igneous! |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1554 Posts |
Igneous and  please do not clean your coins! Glenn  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
As to slabs, the important thing to remember is many people will buy a valuable coin if slabbed, but those same people may just walk away from one that is not. And too, at coin shows you'll hear dealers say, "Of course it cost more, it's in a PCGS slab." Many people think as long as a coin is slabbed by PCGS or NGC, it is just worth more so reselling becomes easier. |
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,857 |
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Posted 04/08/2012 5:26 pm
