Milk Spots

As of now theres not really anything you can do about it. It will hurt the value some, but its a flaw in the minting process where theres no way to tell its going to happen until it does.

The eagles didnt used to have this problem as much, but its becoming more common in the newer years. Likely its a result of the higher production numbers and them being rushed through the process to get them out faster unless they changed something about how the plancets are washed and dried.

This is what upsets me about NGC/PCGS...changing the rules midgame...

The ASE's have been spotting for a long time and MOSTLY the coins that have been graded by a TPG company.

I have had MANY of my 2006 20th Annie Sets develop significant milk spots..RP, PF MS..it doesn't matter.

Up to a couple of years ago they were covered by a grade guarantee and I sent at least 15 PF/RP/MS 70's in for evaluation (to NGC). They ALL were either replaced with 70 grade coins or they bought them back from me at fair marked value. They no longer were 70 grade coins.

Then both company cancelled their grade guarantee pertaining to milk spots. No recourse anymore.

SO...yes, your coins will no longer grade as 70's

I should also add that if you see spots developing they WILL get worse. I have had some RP's look like they had Ebola virus...some in the same group had no issues.

When I sent my coins to NGC to be graded the guarantee was in effect and part of my reason to use their service. Years later they rescinded that guarantee on all previously graded coins.

I understand if they had a change in policy put in effect from the date of the change forward but to change the rules after the fact is not morally correct.

Kinda like buying an expensive car with a 3 year guarantee and after driving for 7 months they send you a letter stating they changed it to a 6 month policy. "Sorry...we changed our mind...things have been breaking..."

I understand that these milk spots occur when the mint uses a few different (and undisclosed) chemicals to wash the ASE planchets before they are struck. The rinsing process doesn't get all of the chemical off...

Does anyone know how long it takes for the spots to develop (1 week, 2 years, etc.)? Is there a period of time when it's safe to say that your coin will be spot free?

If they havent happened after a few years I would say its safe to say theyre good if stored properly. Its definitely an issue from the mint, I personally think storage plays some role in how quickly it appears but I have nothing to back that up.




If we really want to examine it from a moral side theres a strong argument you can make that the mint should be the one backing them. Theyre the one selling the deceptive product that goes bad very early in its life. I have a hard time believing they have absolutely not clue which ones are likely to spot and which arent. Simply marking the monster boxes with a label saying "milk spots likely" could go a long way in keeping the bad ones from being graded.

Ive seen tons of raw ones with it, I've even had some raw ones that got it that I got rid of because of that. Graded ones just get all the attention for it since they cost more. Also people will dip raw ones to clean up the look again, thats obviously not an option with a slabbed coin. If youre only objective is shiny silver there are things you can do, its just that theres nothing you can do and keep it a legit gradable coin or when its in a slab.

bottomline- do not buy bullion coins that are slabbed. I bought 3 to see what the fuss is... I dont see nada jumping out.

YES, they do look sharp graded in their slabs, reminds me of my star wars vintage AFA graded toys.. BUT... a bullion coin is just that.... and they are not made to high standards, so therefore the mints position is that they are just that.

I will never buy a slabbed bullion coin again. All three slabs I own that are bullion have milk spots...