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 Replies: 32 / Views: 5,532 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
632 Posts |
I was watching Pawn Stars a while back and watched as a so-called expert planted his big fat thumb and forefinger right on the face of a 20 dollar gold eagle. Runnin' his grubby mitts all over it. It is my opinion (and most of you) that a coin should be held by the edges only. How can you call yourself an expert and finger a rare piece like that?. NO GLOVES EITHER. Don't touch or "rub" the surface of coins....ever!. Ask permission before picking up a coin that is not yours. Also, don't pick it up high. Keep it close to the table in case you drop it. (it happens to the best of us). One more thing. When holding a raw coin, don't talk. you may inadvertently spit on the coin. I know these things are basic and second nature to most of us, but seeing the way that "expert" handled that coin...  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
920 Posts |
I've only been to a couple of coin shows but that's how most of the dealers appear to handle the coins. No gloves
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Moderator
 United States
187582 Posts |
No gloves is not the problem, as long as they are holding the coin on the edge. But to "plant his big fat thumb and forefinger right on the face" is something else! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
573 Posts |
That's so ingrained in me that it bothers me to touch the face of a coin even when I get them in change.
Edited by StJoeBlues
06/16/2010 9:11 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1713 Posts |
I've seen that episode. Killer is I think it was in a plastic holder at the beginning and he took it out.
In his defense, he can't be an expert on everything. He's called in specialists to look at coins on other episodes.
Edited by arthrene
06/16/2010 6:52 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
581 Posts |
As I understand and agree with what is being said here, I also know by the last show I was to, it sounded like a slot machine on and off throughout the day. The unmistakable sound of silver clink.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1388 Posts |
I have seen the episode as well... That was a beautiful Saint- Gaudens and he put a big fingerprint on one of the most beautiful coins on the planet  ... what a shame!! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4000 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1055 Posts |
Yes that Spanish 8 Escudos was sweet!  Yet once again an "expert" on Spanish Gold coins puts his finger on the face of the coin pointing out features multiple times on a coin he values at $18,000.  What I still can't figure out is why the guy who had the coin heard that it was worth $18k and still sells it for $11k?  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4000 Posts |
It always amazes me, too. Unless there is something worked out behind the scenes.
I would go there, get it appraised, get my mug on TV, and head for the auction. Well, if I were going to sell it. I probably would hang on to that one, though.
Edited by Scooby Due
06/17/2010 01:20 am
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Moderator
Australia
16806 Posts |
I don't know that it's an "ethics" question; it's more an "ignorance of best practice" question. And gold coins are much more tolerant of being mishandled than red copper or shiny silver. Even the .900 fine gold used for old US coins rarely retains a fingerprint on circulated coins. Still, "hold by the edges only" is a good habit for a collector or "expert", even for coins that don't really need such care. As for the episode video, I was keen to see what this "Pawn Stars" show is I hear you all talk about (it's never been aired here in Australia), so I clicked the link. But all I get (after the commercial) is, "The content you are trying to access is not available in your area.". Not suitable for viewing by Australians, apparently.  Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3294 Posts |
Do you leave fingerprints if you have just washed your hands?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
581 Posts |
Quote:
Yet once again an "expert" on Spanish Gold coins puts his finger on the face of the coin pointing out features multiple times on a coin he values at $18,000. What I still can't figure out is why the guy who had the coin heard that it was worth $18k and still sells it for $11k?
Pretty much cash in hand and ignorance. If they actually knew anything about it, they would not have taken it to a pawn shop. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7123 Posts |
Quote:
Do you leave fingerprints if you have just washed your hands? The simple answer is yes. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
968 Posts |
The reason someone would take $11,000 for an 18,000 coin is that they are being offered $11,000 cash right now. The $18,000 is an expert's guess at what it would either sell for in a retail shop or in an auction (it has been a while since I've seen the episode, so I forget what he said). He won't be able to sell it for retail himself. If he goes to auction he may be paying upwards of 30% in fees with no guarantee what it will sell for.
Personally, I would go the auction route, but a lot of people don't want to deal with the hassle of it. Also, a LOT of the people that go to a pawn shop need money right now, not in a month. That may not always be obvious on the show, but if you pay attention you will see clues that this is true for a lot of people they have on the show.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2120 Posts |
Wow, just watched the 8 Escudos video. That guy thinks he's hot stuff cause he got 11k by threatening to walk. The pawnshop could just drop it on heritage and sell it for 16+ with out blinking. lol. Fool and his money I guess.
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Replies: 32 / Views: 5,532 |
Posted 06/16/2010 2:32 pm
