Hey everyone! I just wanted to share an experience I had with a recent purchase that’s really got me thinking. I picked up a 1896 Morgan dollar in what I thought was reasonably good condition—definitely something that would fit well in my collection. However, after I got it home and did some more research, I learned that it had been cleaned.
Now, I know that cleaning can significantly impact a coin’s value, especially for items like the Morgan dollar, which can be quite sought after. I’ve seen various opinions about cleaned coins in terms of future resale. From what I gather, cleaned coins often fetch lower prices, and collectors might shy away from them. I’m in a bit of a dilemma: should I keep it for my collection, or will it always be something that I might regret later on?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Have any of you dealt with cleaned coins in your collections? How do you handle them when it comes time to sell? Any tips would really help me decide what to do next!
Cleaning does have a substantial impact on value! In general, when it comes to collectible coins like the 1896 Morgan dollar, cleaning alters both its aesthetic appeal and market value. Most serious collectors prefer coins in their original condition, and a cleaned coin is often viewed as an inferior specimen.
When you clean a coin, you remove not only dirt and tarnish but also the natural patina and luster that develop over time. This can lead to unsightly hairlines or even dullness. I once sold a cleaned Walker half-dollar and found out later that I could have fetched much more had I disclosed its condition accurately.
Here are a few options regarding your cleaned Morgan:
- 1. Keep it in your collection: If you like the coin, there’s no harm in enjoying it, regardless of its value.
- 2. Sell it with full disclosure: Be honest about its condition. You might still find a buyer interested in it for a project or a display piece.
- 3. Get it graded: Sometimes experts like PCGS or NGC can add legitimacy, but be cautious with cleaning coins.
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Thanks for the detailed response, @NumismaGeek! I suspected the cleaning might have a significant impact. Keeping it in my collection seems appealing, but I might also weigh the selling options. Transparency is key, after all!
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I totally understand your dilemma! I’ve faced something similar with an 1881-S Morgan that was polished. It took me a while to come to terms with the fact that it would never fetch the price I had hoped. The best advice I can give is to connect with other collectors to gauge interest and set a realistic price based on its condition. Sometimes a ‘cleaned’ coin is still a favorite for many collectors, despite its reduced value. I think your idea of transparency is excellent; people appreciate honesty!
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I feel your pain, @CoinEnthusiast92! I bought an 1894-S Barber dime once, only to discover it had been cleaned. I ended up keeping it as a reminder of my early ‘mistakes’ in numismatics. Sometimes, it’s those stories that mean the most. You could consider it a learning experience.
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Cleaning affects resale value in a big way. It’s tough, but honestly, a cleaned coin typically won’t sell close to market prices. I’ve always been told a good rule of thumb is to avoid even touching coins, but if you do, make sure you know what you’re getting into! How much did you spend on it, if you don’t mind sharing?
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I paid $90 for it originally, @CollectorChad. It seemed like a great deal at the time! Now, I’m just unsure if I overpaid given its condition. What do you think?
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For a cleaned Morgan, @CoinEnthusiast92, you likely won’t get back $90, unfortunately. Depending on its condition, you might be looking at $50-$70. It can be painful to accept this, but remember the true value lies in your passion for the hobby! You can always get a professional opinion to better assess its value. You can check out NGC for more info on grading as well.
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One last tip: Always do a bit of due diligence before purchasing coins. Researching grading and cleaning techniques can really help you make informed decisions in the future. Also, consider asking sellers if they can provide detailed photos of the coin before you buy! It might save you from future issues. Keep on collecting!
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Thanks for all the advice, everyone! I appreciate your insights and will definitely approach my future purchases with more caution. Happy collecting to you all!
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