When to have restoration and grading services ?

[tcornel]

I just found an 1831 large cent with pretty good detail. Liberty is visible.

It needs cleaning (restoration) and I am considering having it done and graded.

Given the costs is a coin that might be worth 50 to 150 worth having done?

Will the professional cleaning process work well on copper?

Any insight will be appreciated.

 

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[Captain Caveman]

Personally, I would love to have a good coin graded by PCGS that I dug. My understanding is that you can get them to put something on the case. So, you could put something like "dug by tcornel 7/10/2015" if you wanted. If the coin is worth $150 and I put $150 into getting it cleaned and graded, but could show it to folks and say "I found this in the ground and dug it up", it would be well worth it to me! Good luck either way and Great find!

 

[cudamark]

It wouldn't be worth the restoration costs to me. In the end, it's still going to be pitted and show obvious environmental damage. I'd clean it up myself to whatever standard I think I want and call it a day. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what you want it to look like. If this is for a showcase, sure, have it restored and slabbed.

 

[tcornel]

That pretty much sums up what I have been thinking. Whatever I spend on services will eat up whatever value is there. Of course I am not in the hobby for profit and have never sold anything I have found.

I may do it for sentimental and show reasons but am undecided at this time. Thanks for the responses.