What A Lot! Anyone Feeling Lucky?

These lots are fun to watch in the final moments. It's all based on how well one can play "prisoner's dilemma" you will either see the lots jump by as much as $200 in the final 5 seconds, or someone walks away with the deal of a lifetime.

Ug. I'm sorry, but I have not interest in coins scrubbed so completely. I realize they want to see what they are, but there are better ways.

The sad part is that I'm sure they are doing the same thing to the good stuff, too.

Retail may be up to $200, maybe more. This isn't a bad lot.

I beg to differ.

From what I am seeing, all the coins in this lot are damaged goods; i.e. damaged not by time but by avoidable human error. New collectors need to come to terms with what kind of damage is "natural" and what kind is avoidable, and observe that difference in their handling of the coins they purchase and own.

These coins have been seriously overcleaned, with most stripped of all patina. Patina is not an accretion to a coin but rather an integration (by chemical bonding) of the outermost surface of the coin with minerals in the surrounding environment. Since this new surface consists partially of metal from the original state of the coin, its removal is a form of damage to the coin. Collectors seek to preserve patina, not strip it off.

Sellers who are indifferent to this distinction and wantonly treat uncleaned coins to this kind of stripping (because it is quicker and easier to do) should not be supported. They destroy for profit.

I honestly cannot imagine why anyone would want to buy that. Can someone explain it to me?