Hey fellow collectors! So, I was browsing through a local shop this weekend and came across a silver coin that caught my eye. It’s a beautiful piece from the late 1800s, but it has a few noticeable milk spots that are putting me on the fence. The dealer is asking $150, but I’m not sure if I should negotiate since the condition isn’t perfect.
I did some quick research on the coin, and it seems like it could still be a great addition despite those spots, especially if I can get it for a lower price. I’ve noticed that some collectors on forums say milk spots can devalue a coin significantly, while others argue it’s all about the historical value. I’m leaning towards trying to barter a bit, but I wouldn’t want to offend the seller.
What do you guys think? Have any of you dealt with milk spots before? How do you handle negotiating for coins with these kinds of imperfections? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
Absolutely negotiate! Milk spots can diminish the value of a coin, especially for silver coins. I’ve encountered similar situations before. When I found a 1914-D Barber dime with spots, I was able to negotiate the price down by at least 20%. In your case, starting with an offer around $100-$120 might be a good strategy. Make sure to point out the milk spots during the negotiation. It shows the dealer that you’ve done your homework and are serious about the purchase but also aware of the drawbacks. Remember, the dealer might have some room to move on the price, especially if the coin is less than pristine condition. Good luck! @CoinEnthusiast92
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I agree with @SilverSeeker21. Milk spots can be a big deal, especially for those who focus on the aesthetic aspects of coins. I wouldn’t pay full price for a coin with such imperfections unless it holds significant historical value. I suggest you also check out NGC or PCGS for tips on grading. They often have guidelines on how spots can affect the grading process. Good luck! 
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I personally wouldn’t stress too much over milk spots. Sometimes they can add character! If it’s a rare piece, I might even consider paying a bit more. It depends on what you plan to do with it. If you’re flipping it, then negotiate. If you’re keeping it, maybe it’s worth the full $150. Just my two cents! 
@CoinEnthusiast92
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Definitely negotiate, especially since you mentioned the milk spots. I’ve dealt with milk spots firsthand, and they usually indicate a problem in the storage or cleaning of the coin. If the price is $150, I’d suggest offering $90-110. If he counters and comes down to around $130, that might be a win-win! Also, consider checking the US Mint for similar coins to gauge the market. Keep in mind, some collectors have different opinions about cleaning and spots. Good luck! @CoinEnthusiast92
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Milk spots are the worst! 
Just like @SilverSeeker21 said, they can really hurt a coin’s value. I usually use online price guides from PCGS or NGC to check fair prices and base my offers on that data. Always worth it to double-check before negotiating!
@CollectorChick97, I appreciate your perspective! Maybe it’s time I focus on the historical aspect rather than the spots. Still, I don’t want to overlook the financial side of the deal. Any tips on how I could reveal the story of the coin? I want it to be more than just a purchase! 
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Good point, @NumismatistGuy! I also think that monitoring prices on the official sites like US Mint can help a lot! I once got a nice bargain by comparing prices online before making an offer at the shop. In addition to historical value, always consider how much you’d be willing to pay for its beauty! 
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Just keep in mind, @CoinEnthusiast92, that if you decide to negotiate, being polite is key! I once turned down an offer because the buyer was rude. If the dealer sees you’re genuine and knowledgeable, they might be more willing to lower their price. Plus, you might hear some interesting stories about the coin in return! Good luck! 
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Haha, I love a good coin negotiation! Just remember, every dealer has their sweet spot on pricing. Try not to go too low. You don’t want them to think you’re disrespecting the coin’s value. A friendly smile and good conversation often lead to better deals! 
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Interesting topic! Milk spots can be an issue, but I’ve found that educating the dealer on the market can sometimes grant you a better deal. You can refer them to sites like PCGS for coin evaluations and historical data to prove your point. Even if they won’t budge much on price, it can lead to great conversations. @CoinEnthusiast92, let us know how it goes! 
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