Hey fellow collectors! I stumbled upon a rare coin recently that has some noticeable hairlines. It’s a 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny—definitely a key date in any collection! The dealer mentioned the hairlines are from inadequate cleaning, but the rest of the coin is in decent shape with a nice lustrous finish. I’ve been doing a bit of digging and found mixed opinions online about how hairlines affect value.
My main question is: do you think the presence of hairlines significantly impacts its market value? Given its rarity, I’m torn between the potential for a good investment and the risk that it might not appreciate as much over time. I observed that several auction results for similar coins with hairlines sold for 30-40% less than their unblemished counterparts.
What are your thoughts on this? Has anyone faced a similar dilemma? Do you think I should go for it or wait for a cleaner example? Looking forward to hearing your experiences!
Hairlines can significantly affect a coin’s value, especially on a key date like the 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny. I’ve encountered similar issues in my own collection. In my experience, the presence of hairlines typically results in a lower grade, which in turn translates to a lower market value. Coins that have been cleaned or show signs of hairlines usually fetch considerably less at auctions. In fact, I’ve seen coins like this sell for 30-40% below their unblemished counterparts. While rarity is a big factor, if you’re planning on holding onto it for some time, I’d recommend looking for a cleaner example if possible. Always remember to check prices on platforms like PCGS or NGC to get a sense of the market trends!
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Thanks for the insight, @OldCoinHunter! It seems like the consensus is leaning towards caution. I appreciate the links; I’ll definitely check those out for additional guidance.
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I faced a similar situation last year with a 1914-D penny that had hairlines. I decided to buy it and later found out that its resale value dropped significantly when I tried to sell. I think it’s wise to be cautious. If you’re really set on it, maybe negotiate a better price since it has flaws!
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Great point, @NumismaticNerd. It sounds like I should definitely factor in the potential resale value if I ever decide to part with it. How much of a discount do you think would be fair because of the hairlines?
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As a collector myself, I’ve also hesitated with coins that have hairlines. Trust me, they never truly appreciate like a pristine coin. Sure, they have their charm, but if you’re looking at this from an investment perspective, waiting for a cleaner example could be the way to go. It might cost a bit more, but in the long run, you’d be glad you waited!
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I agree with @JustCoinIt! Always look for the best piece you can afford. If you find another example without hairlines, it might have a higher appeal later on. Plus, think about that eBay resale market – you want someone to love it as much as you do!
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The hairlines could indicate some past cleaning attempts, which can be detrimental. However, if the coin is overall in decent shape and the price is right, could it still be worth adding to the collection? Sometimes a decent example can appreciate nicely if it’s a rare date!
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I appreciate your thinking, @CoinEnthusiast23! That’s a perspective I hadn’t fully considered. The price is within my budget because it’s not perfect, and the rarity could play a significant role in its future value.
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Personal experience with grading comes into play here. I had a similar coin, and while the hairlines judged it at a lower grade (from MS-65 to AU-58), I still stored it and waited. It took a couple of years, but the market shifted, and values for certain varieties began rising again. Just be prepared for fluctuations!
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Thanks, @GradingGuru! It’s encouraging to hear that there can be fluctuations in value. This might not be a bad investment after all if I play my cards right!
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Stay away from hairlines if you can, but if it’s a rare date and the price is enticing, it might be worth it. Just make sure you love the coin; that’s what matters most!
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Solid advice, @CoinChaser! I’m leaning towards getting it but will take a moment to review everything again. Thanks everyone for the lively discussion!
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