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 Replies: 15 / Views: 1,778 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2200 Posts |
  I've always wondered about this coin. It's been in the family for a long time. I found it in a small box of old coins collected by--I think--one of my grandparents. It's an 1878-CC, with the nice low mintage of 97,000. It's obviously in rough shape. But I've always wondered about two things: What's with the black discoloration? What would cause that? And then there's the gouging. I know about the chop marks commonly associated with Trade dollars, but these are clearly not those--more like holes dug into the coin. Any ideas on their pedigree? Last question--can you give an approximate condition and value for this coin? Thanks.
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Valued Member
204 Posts |
I do not see anything to make me think not genuine. Mint mark looks right.
I do no see this coin actually grading though. The damage is pretty substantial and it is going to be a "Genuine" grade only.
Still probably a $500 coin none the less.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7618 Posts |
The dark coloring is natural oxidation of the metal. Do not try to clean it off as it would destroy the remaining numismatic value of the coin!
The post mint damage appears to be a hole that was crudely filled in.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8516 Posts |
I can't imagine paying 500 bucks for this in that kinda shape, no offense. Pretty beat up.
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4932 Posts |
Probably would barely make VG details, but I'm sure it's get a "Genuine" grade for sure since it's a multiple problem coin.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
I would say G-06 damaged, and would be surprised if it brought much more than $200 if that.
Edited by Coinfrog
08/29/2015 5:13 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
Looks genuine to me, too.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7375 Posts |
Looks genuine, and I like it  Looks holed and partially filled.  I'd keep it as is. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2200 Posts |
Thanks for the great replies! II highly doubt that it might be faked, though--in fact I would say it's 100% genuine without a doubt. It's been in my family basically since it was minted--for example, my fraternal grandmother was born in 1880.
I find it curious that people automatically call into question the validity of almost every coin that people post here. There is no reason to think this coin is faked. I don't believe anybody had gotten around to faking coins back then--and why would anybody fake such a sad-looking coin?
Anyway, a question about the oxidation--I understand that to be a natural process. But why then hasn't every silver coin of this vintage gone through the same process?
Edited by jpsned
08/29/2015 8:32 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1788 Posts |
Depends where and in what it was stored in.
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Moderator
 United States
16679 Posts |
I like it!
Really shows the history of the West. If it could talk!
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Valued Member
United States
294 Posts |
Looks like maybe it was in a fire. Pretty trashed looking coin.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7375 Posts |
I like the suggestion of a possible fire. Acetone maybe? Might brighten up nicely.
Edited by edweather
08/30/2015 10:42 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7618 Posts |
As far as what causes the dark toning it is usually the storage environment. Storage near high content sulphur items (old paper) and high humidity can accelerate the toning process.
Can it be cleaned off? Sure. Does it help the restore numismatic value of the coin? No.
As it stands now you have a coin that would net grade "very good details - damaged". You clean it and you can then call it "very good details - cleaned & damaged".
The coin carries a story about your family that is worth more to you than any numismatic value. I say leave it alone.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
650 Posts |
If the hole once went all the way through the coin and then later partially filled, I would say someone probably wore it around their neck on a cord or chain. Maybe as a lucky charm or wearable "pocket piece".
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2200 Posts |
Not to worry, I am not going to clean it. I remember that was one of the first things I learned as a collector, over 40 years ago.
I agree, keeping it the way it is--the way my family has known it--far outweighs any numismatic value that could be attached.
Thanks, everyone, for chipping in!
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Replies: 15 / Views: 1,778 |
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Posted 08/29/2015 11:48 am
