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 Replies: 14 / Views: 1,933 |
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Valued Member
United States
487 Posts |
I'm becoming interested in classic coins after placing my Franklin's on the back burner. When a coin is described with one of these maladies is it just a good idea to steer clear of it? Is it something that is going to keep getting worse? I don't mind investing in good coins but don't want to open an album down the road and find that the coin has corroded into a mess.  Thanks....and what the heck IS die rot anyway? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7375 Posts |
I am not a fan of problem coins. Pitting from corrosion is a turn-off for me. A little discoloration I will sometimes accept, but any major problems are a no no for me. If I don't like how it looks, that's a key. But everybody is different. Just my .02
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
I have no idea what "die rot" is, but it sounds like it smells disgusting. Individual collectors make their own judgements about problem coins. Any corrosive process on a coin - maybe excepting Zlincolns - can be arrested and most can be restored. All coins are history and worthy of preservation for the future. Up to you to decide whether it's worthwhile for you, but somebody's going to do it.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1566 Posts |
I avoid coins with any obvious problems. Die rot? That's a new one and I've been collecting for 30 years. It's the best policy to be patient and buy the best coin you can afford. The only time I buy a problem coin is when it's a key that I really want and can't afford a problem free piece. Be careful that you don't make hasty decisions that you may regret later.
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Pillar of the Community
861 Posts |
Unfortunately, most Draped Bust Large cents have some degree of corrosion/environmental damage. The copper used was un-pure A lot of the copper used was from straps that held barrels together and were shipped over from England in the hull of boats where the salt-water got to it. If you want higher grade (VF+) Bust cents without any corrosion, you'd better have very deep pockets. If you don't want corrosion, than buy worn-out slicks.
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Valued Member
 United States
487 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7390 Posts |
I know I'm young to the hobby but when I saw "die rot" my first thought was that it meant die rotation?... smelly dies, lol sdave
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
When I read "die rot" I was thinking a coin minted with a rusty die. John1  |
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Valued Member
469 Posts |
I've seen some coins designated as "ROT DIE" as to abbreviate rotated die. Never heard of die rot, however.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1566 Posts |
Die rotation that makes sense. There are a lot of terms coined in the last few years that us old timers have yet to keep up with. "Dug coin" is a new one too. Back in the day no one much cared if the dies were rotated a bit.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Quote:
Unfortunately, most Draped Bust Large cents have some degree of corrosion/environmental damage. The copper used was un-pure A lot of the copper used was from straps that held barrels together and were shipped over from England in the hull of boats where the salt-water got to it. Large cents were only made using scrap copper until some time in 1796 when we started getting ready made planchets from Matthew Bouton in England. However the copper planchets were quite heavy and the casks of planchets were stored in the bottom of the ship where they acted as ballast. This resulted in the casks sometimes making the trip at least partially submerged in sea water. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1450 Posts |
What about coins with scratches, chips on the rim, dings, holes etc? I see many beat up coins selling on ebay. Somebody buys them. I won't buy them, but if they are very rare how much difference with a nasty scratch make in price? |
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Valued Member
469 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
861 Posts |
In general, Draped Cents problems are ranked in this order:
From most desirable/pricier to least desirable/cheapest:
1. straight grade
2. cleaned
3. scratch
4. altered surfaces
5. tooling
6. damaged
7. corrosion/environmental damage
8. repaired
9. plugged
of course, the degree of the issue will determine the desirability/price.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:
I have no idea what "die rot" is, but it sounds like it smells disgusting. Not sure but I think he ment DRY ROT. Regardless of what is ment, sounds like simple excessive toning, tarnishing, corrosion, etc. IF your referring to Silver Coins, almost all tend to combine with STUFF like Oxygen, Nitrous gasses, Flouring, chlorine, etc. In other words Silver sort of just combines with lots of STUFF. When this happens such coins change colors and to some look like rot, tarnish, etc. Some like that and others don't. If you posted a photo, we all might see what you mean. |
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Replies: 14 / Views: 1,933 |
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Posted 03/02/2015 9:39 pm
