Hey everyone! I’ve been wrestling with the idea of cracking out some of my graded coins lately. I have a few that I believe are under-graded, and while the thought of reclaiming them for a fresh view is tempting, I’m really concerned about the potential risks. Just last week, I handled a 1914-D penny that’s graded as a VF30, but it seems to have some fantastic luster that suggests it might be worth higher.
I’ve done a bit of research and read that some collectors have had success with increasing value after regrading, especially if the coins are well-preserved. However, I’ve also seen horror stories where coins came back worse than the original grade and lost all appeal. I imagine it’s all about the condition and how well the coin is preserved when it’s cracked open.
So I’m curious — what are your thoughts? Have any of you cracked out coins before? What was your experience? Do you think it’s worth it, or should I play it safe with the graded status? Let’s discuss!
Great topic, CoinEnthusiast88! I’ve cracked out quite a few coins over the years, and I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, if you genuinely believe your coins are under-graded, it can be worth the risk, especially if the market is right. I’ve had success with two coins that were graded MS62 and came back as MS64 after regrading—they significantly increased in value. But on the flip side, I also had a beautiful 1881-S Morgan Dollar that I cracked out and it came back as only an MS60. I lost a lot of confidence in that coin after that!
- Assess condition carefully;
- Read multiple opinions before proceeding;
- Know the grading service’s reputation.
Good luck with your decision! I’d love to hear more about that 1914-D penny you mentioned!
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Thanks, @CoinCollector101! I appreciate your insights. That 1881-S story is a bit nerve-wracking, but I see your point about the potential gains. What grading service did you use for the regrade?
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In my opinion, cracking out coins can be a real gamble. For instance, last year I cracked out a 1944 Walking Liberty Half Dollar that was graded as MS66. I thought it had a shot at MS67, but it was graded lower, at MS65! I had to learn the hard way that not all coins will reward your faith in their luster. If you’re slightly unsure, I recommend sticking with the original grades unless you are very familiar with how grading works. NGC has some great resources on grading standards if you’re looking for more information. Just manage your expectations!
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I can relate, @NumismaticNerd. I’m always cautious about cracking coins, especially valuable ones. Sometimes there’s a reason for the original grade, and it could just be better to leave things as they are.
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I cracked out a few coins when I first started collecting, and honestly, it was a huge learning experience! Most of them ended up being graded lower, like a 1953-S Lincoln penny, which I thought could be an upgrade. It came back as a lower grade than expected and hurt my wallet. I would definitely advise that if you’re going to go through with it, choose coins that are truly exceptional and do your homework.
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Just a quick thought: Have you considered getting a second opinion from a reputable dealer before cracking anything out? Sometimes, they’ll have insights that can help you decide whether it’s worth the risk or not.
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That’s a fantastic idea, @EagleEyeCoiner! I hadn’t thought about seeking a second opinion. I’ll definitely try to talk to a dealer I trust before making a decision. Thanks for the tip!
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Why did the collector crack out his coin? Because he wanted to see if it was ‘in the money’! 
Seriously though, always weigh the risks before taking the plunge.
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@JokingCollector that’s hilarious! But you raise a good point—it’s all about how much you love that coin and whether the gamble is worth the potential value increase.
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