Hey fellow collectors! I recently had an interesting experience that I just had to share with you all. While sifting through some coins at a local estate sale, I stumbled upon a 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny. At first glance, it looked like a gorgeous specimen, but upon closer inspection, I noticed it had more than a few bag marks. I was completely taken aback since I typically associate bag marks with much lower grades.
This penny, though marked up, had a great backstory attached to it. The previous owner had it passed down from their grandfather, who collected coins during the Great Depression. It seems the grandfather had no worries about preserving the coins in pristine condition – they were just stashed away in bags and later handed down. It got me thinking about how many similarly marked but historically rich coins are out there, just waiting to be appreciated.
So, has anyone else found a rare coin that didn’t seem to fit its condition? How do you value coins that carry the history of their past owners but also carry those unsightly marks? I’m curious to hear your stories and thoughts on how bag marks affect your collecting decisions!
Wow, what a find! I had a similar experience at a flea market last summer where I discovered a 1916 D Mercury dime. At first, I was disappointed by the numerous bag marks that came with it, but the dealer shared its fascinating story: it was once carried by a soldier during World War II. The sentimental value made the marks feel like a badge of honor rather than a flaw. I ended up buying it despite the wear, and I think that’s crucial in our hobby—the stories behind these coins. Have you considered how much these backstories can add to a coin’s market value? Coins are more than just metal, they’re pieces of history. I’d love to hear more about your thoughts on this!
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Thanks for sharing @CoinCollector99! It’s amazing how the history can shift our perspective on grading. Those stories certainly enhance the value of our collections. Do you think coins with significant backstories could be worth more than their graded counterparts?
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I completely agree! I once came across a Civil War-era coin with extensive bag marks, but the seller told me it was carried by a soldier during a famous battle. That history made it priceless to me. I think bag marks can lower a coin’s grade, but they can enrich its story. Also, I often check out resources like PCGS to get a better understanding of how these marks influence grading. Anyone else have a similar experience?
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Bag marks can be tricky! I’ve had my fair share of encounters with marked coins. Honestly, it’s often about balance—sometimes I’ll buy a coin with visible marks simply because I love the story it tells, while other times I’ll skip one expecting better quality. It’s all about personal preference. Just curious, how do y’all store these historical coins? I’m always looking for better storage solutions.
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Having just started my journey in coin collecting, all these backstories and experiences are so enlightening! I found an old token with bag marks that just looked like a mess, but after reading about its history, I really grew fond of it. I’m learning that the emotional connection can outweigh the cosmetic flaws.
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Definitely, @CoinExplorer88! If a coin is tied to a significant event or person, it can indeed be valued higher than its typical market price. For instance, coins used in historic events tend to attract more collectors. Future collectors might appreciate the story behind it just as much, if not more, than the surface condition.
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LOL, you guys make bag marks seem like a badge of honor! I once joked that every mark on my coins represents an epic coin battle! Remember, each mark tells a story, even if it’s just my kids throwing them around the house!
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Welcome, @CoinNewbie2024! It’s fantastic that you’re exploring the emotional side of collecting. Trust me, the journey is all about learning and discovering, and the stories will enrich your collection immensely. What type of coins are you currently focused on?
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This topic resonates! I found a bag of assorted coins from the 1800s at an estate sale, many with visible imperfections. I thought, ‘What a waste!’ until I learned they belonged to a renowned author. Connecting the dots, I ended up writing a short blog post on it. Coin collecting isn’t just about the physical coins; it’s about the narratives! Here’s the post if interested: My Coin Blog
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Wow, @LuckyFinder87, that sounds amazing! Coin collecting really does bring such rich stories to light. I appreciate how you connected the pieces. It makes me think about the historical contexts behind the coins we own. Looking forward to reading your blog!
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