I have recently purchased some silver coins with black spots on them. Does this effect the value of the coin? Would it effect the grade by a TPG? Thanks Cory
Yes and yes. Carbon spots will affect both the value and the grade. On low value coins the impact is minimal however. It is advisable to avoid purchasing them (this reduces their value in itself!) and most people will sell them at a discount because of them.
On bullion coins there is usually little price impact. On rare or scarce dates the impact can be major.
I'm no expert but carbon is often inclusive to the metal when it was struck. This is more common on coins composed primarily of copper but most U.S. silver coins contain 10% copper too.
On silver coins kept well protected from the atmosphere, they normally won't get much worse.
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