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 Replies: 16 / Views: 1,841 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2764 Posts |
I want some answer! j/k...
In my quest to find quality Lincoln Cents, I'd found 4 1931-S Lincoln Cents that is offered for the the same price but each of them has their own flaws.
1st coin ($125): XF40 but weak (very worn die) strike
2nd coin ($135): AU50 with one long & very thin scratch line run on the field (about the same distance as from Lincoln forehead to his chin)
3rd coin ($130): AU58 perfect coin - almost no wear, no visible scratches at all, but CLEANED
4th coin ($135): XF45 strong strike, just nicks here and there + 1 moderate ding on Lincoln's chin + moderate rim ding on reverse
The technical grade is right on. Even though the prices are higher than CDN, the price differences between them are minimal.
Here's is my scenario: Since the price differences are minimal, if you have to choose between those 4, which would your choice be and WHY? (IE: Which are more important to you: technical grade, originality as opposed to clean, strike, scratches (type of scratches - 1 heavy/major vs. many minors))
Thank you for sharing.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1713 Posts |
Personally I'd pick the 2nd coin. A little scratch won't bother me. My second choice would be the fourth coin...again a few little marks aren't a problem for me personally.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
936 Posts |
What kind of color do they have, that is the big one for me, I like cents with some character. I have bought lower grade cents just because the eye appeal was better on the lower grade. Take a look at them from a normal viewing distance and see which one stands out to you and is saying "take me home". From what you have wrote down, #4 seems good.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19931 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
914 Posts |
I'm sorry, but I just don't mind cleaned coins that much. For an almost uncirculated specimen, the cleaning method will eventually begin to disappear as the coin matures, tones, and ages. I doubt in 10 years that you'll even notice. Heck, all coins were clean at one point.
#3 for me.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1984 Posts |
I'm torn between 3 & 4; it would depend on eye appeal. If the cleaning were noticeable and the coin screamed "I'm cleaned!" I would go with the XF.
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New Member
United States
33 Posts |
I would go with #4, strong strike with "normal" wear for the condition, no major scratches or cleaning... yep, #4.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
936 Posts |
The 3rd coin could be in the top two choices depending on how it was cleaned, some of them look dull and light (like they were cleaned in Coke) and the color is way off. I did an experiment on a coin I cleaned, I left it in the window sill for a week or so and it actually toned pretty quickly to normal looking. If you can not tell it has been cleaned and the color is representative of a normal cent than go for that one. Like I said earlier, I think the beauty of the cent is all in the eye of the beholder.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2764 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7123 Posts |
Sorry ,,seems like I always stand out in a crowd .And its not always because of the Black Leather Bikers jacket !
I would not want any of them from the descriptions given . wear is one thing but rim hits and focal area dings and scratches are not something I could or would live with .
I would save for another month and buy a problem free EF or AU example of the coin or save for another few months and buy a nice mint state example .
From all view points the better the coin the better the money is spent .
Metalman
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1934 Posts |
Cleaned coins are my last choice, if I make that choice at all. And methinks/meguesses that, when theyre revalued, cleaning will, once again, be a factor that is usually only acceptable to other "cleaned coin" buyers. Besides, in a collection/series, you'll know it's cleaned amongst none other and it may nag at you like that nail you saw way up on the eaves while painting that you "shoulda" reset but didnt, no?  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1934 Posts |
Cleaned coins are my last choice, if I make that choice at all. And methinks/meguesses that, when theyre revalued, cleaning will, once again, be a factor that is usually only acceptable to other "cleaned coin" buyers. Besides, in a collection/series, you'll know it's cleaned amongst none other and it may nag at you like that nail you saw way up on the eaves while painting that you "shoulda" reset but didnt, no? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2254 Posts |
Silent,
After looking at the photos, I think I will have to agree with Metalman. I think you can find something equivalent to #3 without the cleaning in due time. If it wouldn't be for that chin hit on #4 though.....But of course, that would probably raise the grade a notch as well..
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
My opinion is stay away from Harlan J. Berk completely. I used to work in the area of that place and passed by or went in at least once a week since it became that. Used to be a coin dealer much better there. Every coin is overpriced and most have been cleaned. Rude, non-caring cliental. No flexibility in prices. No interest in local coin shows.
That coin is almost always available at coin shows for much less in better condition. As already noted unless that coin is color wise like a brand new coin, I'd avoid it. 31S is way to common in high grades and for much less cost.
Again, I would avoid that place. Just my opinion based on many, many, many years around them.
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Member
United States
3242 Posts |
If I couldn't wait I would buy #1. but Metalmans right wait and save up some more cash and buy an AU-BU one.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2600 Posts |
Never argue with a guy in a black leather jacket.
Jim
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Replies: 16 / Views: 1,841 |
Posted 12/18/2007 8:41 pm
