Carbon Spots - Coin Community Forum

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Author	Replies: 5 / Views: 1,280
fmtaxguy Valued Member United States 257 Posts	Posted 05/09/2009 11:45 am I am still very unclear as to what causes carbon spots, and the reason their presence would significantly lower the value of a coin, by as much as a full grade or more. Some have said that it is really merely an eye appeal issue. My local dealer says it is actual damage that will eventually lead to pitting. Other sellers have told me that on old, key date coins with otherwise EF or better detail, that it really doesn't affect value. Sigh. Can somebody tell me the definitive word on carbon spots? I would be willing to name my first born after you, if there ever was to be one.... Report this Post to the Staff

fmtaxguy Valued Member United States 257 Posts	Posted 05/09/2009 5:52 pm Nobody? I am kind of paralyzed and fearful of pulling the trigger on purchases because of this issue, if it is an issue. Okay, okay, I promise not to name my first born after you if you choose to contribute. Report this Post to the Staff
SsuperDdave Moderator United States 23522 Posts	Posted 05/09/2009 6:08 pm There is no definitive word on carbon spots, because it's a "beauty in the eye of the beholder" thing. Subjectively, I'm less likely to care about carbon spots as the importance of the coin goes up (as you might expect). I believe the majority of collectors will agree. To the best of my knowledge, these things generally are the result of improper/impure planchet composition or processing, and although they might grow on some coins (especially copper) over time, they aren't considered "dangerous" to the coin. Report this Post to the Staff
vermontensium Moderator United States 16677 Posts	Posted 05/09/2009 6:46 pm I also believe that carbon spots over the long term, are non-destructive to coins. Although they can be a detractor, especially if there are several on the surface of a coin. Some collector/dealers frown on them. I certainly don't like them on a coin but, to my knowledge, there is no way to remove them. I'm sure others can chime in. Here is an example of a beautiful 1944 LWC that I have in my Dansco that I will not replace. I really like it and don't think that spot detracts from the overall beauty of the coin. swcoin.ecrater.com Edited by vermontensium 05/09/2009 6:47 pm Report this Post to the Staff
fmtaxguy Valued Member United States 257 Posts	Posted 05/09/2009 9:21 pm Thank you both. If I am understanding this correctly, it is more an issue of eye appeal than any damage type problem to the surface. I am relieved to learn this, and appreciate your time and experience being so generously shared. Report this Post to the Staff
vermontensium Moderator United States 16677 Posts	Posted 05/09/2009 9:25 pm Your topic and posting is exactly the reason why I'm part of this forum. Great question and great to have you swcoin.ecrater.com Report this Post to the Staff
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