cleaned my 1877 seated quarter

[mattysee]

cleaned it up good, also a walker I found a few months ago, had no idea the shape it was in. and a kids private eye badge

 

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[Gridwalker306]

Great finds! Too bad you polished them, they are so much better in their original condition. It's like taking a fine piece of antique furniture, with all it's beautiful patina-- and stripping, sanding and re-staining it. *cringe!*

I guess it's your coin to clean if you want...I just think its tacky, and disrespectful to the coin.

 

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[lookindown]

Just a few thoughts.... from a life long Coin Collector. Ignorance is not a virtue... nor is championing it ...

Dug coins which are only have the soil removed are generally far more valuable than polished coins.

Also, just another idea to think about...

Are collectors really 'owners' or merely custodians for a brief time... care takers of historical objects for say.
Why does a man made value have anything to do with the responsibility to care for these objects.

I ask the same too all diggers... do we really 'own' (coins/objects etc...) ... or are we really custodians ?

Example: Most of the coins in my collect are way older than me, some two thousand years. Many collectors over the years took the responsibility to care for them,
I too have that same responsibility to those who will be the next custodian/custodians after I fade into history and not even a distant memory.

Yeah, we can be ignorant and willfully destroy objects.... but is that responsible?

You call someone ignorant for cleaning their coins because they want to and don't care if it devalues their coin...your something else man...its their coin they can do what they want with it, get over it...telling someone that a cleaned coin is devalued is one thing but calling them ignorant is wrong.

 

[Lygore]

I agree with you, lookindown.
I've turned some of my "non-key" coins into rings and other stuff. I've found them to be beautiful polished creations that were greatly appreciated by the receiving party, too.
Fact is, it's my coin and it is in my right to do what I want with it. I AM a coin collector and am ok with people treating their coins as they please. Do I cringe when I see a sandy/grimy finger swipe across a coin's face to see a date in the field? YES, but as it's their find, it is theirs to do with what they want. Would I do that? A resounding NO to that!
I own a 1955 Double Die (yes THE double die) and if I want to take it out of it's slab and polish it up, put a hole in it and put it on a key chain, I will. No one can stop me.
Just because some people don't agree with how we treat our finds, doesn't give anyone the right to tell them they're wrong. Might not be the best decision financially, but if it makes them happy, so be it.
Life's short, take a breather and swing that detector!

 

[DirtDodger]

You call someone ignorant for cleaning their coins because they want to and don't care if it devalues their coin...your something else man...its their coin they can do what they want with it, get over it...telling someone that a cleaned coin is devalued is one thing but calling them ignorant is wrong.

First, I did not call anyone ignorant. I called the "willful destroy objects" ignorant and ask if that was responsible...
Where does my post call him that? You assume I knew he was knowledgeable about proper numismatic handling and he willfully destroyed something, which is also wrong.
That wasn't s my opinion.

Second, as to the destroying of said objects, I was speaking of NUMISMATIC value of coins only.

Third, I purposed a question as to the idea of ownership versus being a custodian....

Never said he couldn't do what he wanted... however, polishing coins as such will destroy any NUMISMATIC value of said coin. Yes, they can be used in jewelry...etc..
Yes, they can be still sold and someone will still buy them. That however was not the point of my post.

I guess point I was making was missed by some...

 

[wheatfinder13]

Just a few thoughts.... from a life long Coin Collector. Ignorance is not a virtue... nor is championing it ...

Dug coins which are only have the soil removed are generally far more valuable than polished coins.

Also, just another idea to think about...

Are collectors really 'owners' or merely custodians for a brief time... care takers of historical objects for say.
Why does a man made value have anything to do with the responsibility to care for these objects.

I ask the same too all diggers... do we really 'own' (coins/objects etc...) ... or are we really custodians ?

Example: Most of the coins in my collect are way older than me, some two thousand years. Many collectors over the years took the responsibility to care for them,
I too have that same responsibility to those who will be the next custodian/custodians after I fade into history and not even a distant memory.

Yeah, we can be ignorant and willfully destroy objects.... but is that responsible?

Wow, that was fantastic!

 

[wheatfinder13]

Personally, I like my dug silvers to have a nice dark patina. It brings the detail out more.

 

[scott9050]

I agree with you, lookindown.
I've turned some of my "non-key" coins into rings and other stuff. I've found them to be beautiful polished creations that were greatly appreciated by the receiving party, too.
Fact is, it's my coin and it is in my right to do what I want with it. I AM a coin collector and am ok with people treating their coins as they please. Do I cringe when I see a sandy/grimy finger swipe across a coin's face to see a date in the field? YES, but as it's their find, it is theirs to do with what they want. Would I do that? A resounding NO to that!
I own a 1955 Double Die (yes THE double die) and if I want to take it out of it's slab and polish it up, put a hole in it and put it on a key chain, I will. No one can stop me.
Just because some people don't agree with how we treat our finds, doesn't give anyone the right to tell them they're wrong. Might not be the best decision financially, but if it makes them happy, so be it.
Life's short, take a breather and swing that detector!

If you show a find to me face to face I would agree with you. But starting a thread on a public message forum with the title "cleaned my 1877 seated liberty quarter" is inviting people who know how to properly handle collectible coins to chime in and give their opinion.

Example: You may own an American flag. If you add your own bling decorations to make it "look better" at your house, no one will say a word. If you go and do it at a Veterans parade, you might get a negative reaction. It is your property and you have the right, but the history and symbolism of what is being destroyed or devalued might rub people wrong. It is the same here with a seated quarter from the end of the reconstruction period. Some people look at it one way, others look at it differently.

If someone does not want debate though, it is best not to post it.

 

[Erik in NJ]

Does lightly rubbing a baking soda and water slurry on a silver coin constitute cleaning and thus devalue it to melt value? How about wetting it and wrapping it in aluminum foil then rinsing it in soap and water? Does soap and water cause it to be devalued? I'd like to know where the "numismatic" line is.

Some old & Spanish silver comes out of the ground almost black and I find it hard to believe that leaving it in that state would be the best approach. Any insights here?

I never got an answer to my prior post BTW from DirtDoger--my questions were sincere.

 

[lookindown]

First, I did not call anyone ignorant. I called the "willful destroy objects" ignorant and ask if that was responsible...
Where does my post call him that? You assume I knew he was knowledgeable about proper numismatic handling and he willfully destroyed something, which is also wrong.
That wasn't s my opinion.

Second, as to the destroying of said objects, I was speaking of NUMISMATIC value of coins only.

Third, I purposed a question as to the idea of ownership versus being a custodian....

Never said he couldn't do what he wanted... however, polishing coins as such will destroy any NUMISMATIC value of said coin. Yes, they can be used in jewelry...etc..
Yes, they can be still sold and someone will still buy them. That however was not the point of my post.

I guess point I was making was missed by some...

Work on that damage control...you also threw IDIOT out there in one of your posts...if your going to say something, stand by it, don't back pedal.

 

[1235CE]

Just a few thoughts.... from a life long Coin Collector. Ignorance is not a virtue... nor is championing it ...

Dug coins which are only have the soil removed are generally far more valuable than polished coins.

Also, just another idea to think about...

Are collectors really 'owners' or merely custodians for a brief time... care takers of historical objects for say.
Why does a man made value have anything to do with the responsibility to care for these objects.

I ask the same too all diggers... do we really 'own' (coins/objects etc...) ... or are we really custodians ?

Example: Most of the coins in my collect are way older than me, some two thousand years. Many collectors over the years took the responsibility to care for them,
I too have that same responsibility to those who will be the next custodian/custodians after I fade into history and not even a distant memory.

Yeah, we can be ignorant and willfully destroy objects.... but is that responsible?

I would have pressed the "like" button 1 million times if it would let me.....from another lifelong collector, very well said!!!

 

[l.cutler]

Rubbing with water and baking soda will definitely hurt the value of a coin, maybe not to melt, but that would depend on the coin and conditon. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and would definitely damage the surface. If done carefully without rubbing a gentle rinse in soapy water may not hurt, but don't get too aggressive with it. Really not sure about the aluminum foil thing, but I would definitely be careful.

 

[MUD(S.W.A.T)]

Its his coin, he did not deliberately destroy it...!! In his eyes, he did a good job at making it look nicer.... He has no obligations to the next collector, if the next collector wants original patina they can buy original patina... Its his coins and if he wants them clean/polished he has that right... You have the right to cry about it too, but what good does that do. Just belittle someone for enjoying what they do.?? Sure they are a novice collector, maybe.. Yes you can likely teach them about coin preservation... You just don't have to do it in such a cocky demeaning manner... I too have been a victim of over criticism on this site and it *IS* more of a fight sight as of lately. It does not have to stay this way though, just back up off each other a little geeze. This should be a fun place to share our experiences and enjoy our hobbies more. Not worry about getting harassed over our every action or move... Lighten up !! Instead of being proud like he should feel he now likely feels bad and guilty. It disgusts me to see people do this to each other.

Keep @ it and HH !!

 

[ironman]

Its his coin, he did not deliberately destroy it...!! In his eyes, he did a good job at making it look nicer.... He has no obligations to the next collector, if the next collector wants original patina they can buy original patina... Its his coins and if he wants them clean/polished he has that right... You have the right to cry about it too, but what good does that do. Just belittle someone for enjoying what they do.?? Sure they are a novice collector, maybe.. Yes you can likely teach them about coin preservation... You just don't have to do it in such a cocky demeaning manner... I too have been a victim of over criticism on this site and it *IS* more of a fight sight as of lately. It does not have to stay this way though, just back up off each other a little geeze. This should be a fun place to share our experiences and enjoy our hobbies more. Not worry about getting harassed over our every action or move... Lighten up !! Instead of being proud like he should feel he now likely feels bad and guilty. It disgusts me to see people do this to each other.

Keep @ it and HH !!

Agreed why do folks talk to others like trash we are in this for the fun and excitement it's the thrill of the hunt I have a job that pays my bills and affords me the life I live. If I dug up a old coin and cleaned it cause I thought it looked good that's my choice if I happen to find out it was worth money yea me but either a million or dollar it's still profit.

 

[DirtDodger]

Work on that damage control...you also threw STUPID out there in one of your posts...if your going to say something, stand by it, don't back pedal.

Hey, I am not back peddling as or damage control...

If you can't comprehend the post and the meaning that IS YOUR Problem.

I meant what I said, even if some like you can understand the concepts or meanings. If you have a problem with that... Too bad!
Maybe you might be better served doing something other then commenting on posts you can comprehend.

If your problem is with me or those who try to educate non-numismatic collectors on the proper handling of items...

Sorry for you, I for one WILL NOT change. I will continue to give out the best possible advice. No one is forced to take it.
It is my duty as a numismatist... I take it very seriously....

 

[lookindown]

Hey, I am not back peddling as or damage control...

If you can't comprehend the post and the meaning that IS YOUR Problem.

I meant what I said, even if some like you can understand the concepts or meanings. If you have a problem with that... Too bad!
Maybe you might be better served doing something other then commenting on posts you can comprehend.

If your problem is with me or those who try to educate non-numismatic collectors on the proper handling of items...

Sorry for you, I for one WILL NOT change. I will continue to give out the best possible advice. No one is forced to take it.
It is my duty as a numismatist... I take it very seriously....

If you could do it without insulting and belittling people it would be nice...but you said your not going to change, its your way or the wrong way...sorry I got everyone mad at you...Ive said my peace, Im moving on.

 

[WHADIFIND]

What hath mattysee wrought? LOL LOL LOL LOL

 

[dutchtoga]

Douchebag.

The term "douchebag" generally refers to a male with a certain combination of obnoxious characteristics related to attitude, social ineptitude, public behavior, or outward presentation. Though the common douchebag thinks he is accepted by the people around him, most of his peers dislike him. He has an inflated sense of self-worth, compounded by a lack of social grace and self-awareness. He behaves inappropriately in public, yet is completely ignorant to how pathetic he appears to others. He often talks about how cool, successful, and popular he is, yet never catches on to the fact that he comes across as a total loser. Nevertheless, he firmly believes that he is the smartest, most desirable, and most charming person in the room... and will try to bad-rep anyone who would threaten to expose this facade. He fancies himself a ladies’ man, yet tends to be a joke to all but the most naive of women. He tries to portray himself as part of the in-crowd (a fashionista, an upwardly mobile professional, the life of the party, etc.) but only succeeds in his own mind. To everyone else, he is an annoying and arrogant phony who comes across as a wannabe overcompensating for his insecurities. He tries to appear like the center of whatever group will tolerate him, but in reality, he is just a tag-along who mooches drinks, women, contacts, social standing, and other benefits from the group... while contributing nothing.

 

[MUD(S.W.A.T)]

Douchebag.

The term "douchebag" generally refers to a male with a certain combination of obnoxious characteristics related to attitude, social ineptitude, public behavior, or outward presentation. Though the common douchebag thinks he is accepted by the people around him, most of his peers dislike him. He has an inflated sense of self-worth, compounded by a lack of social grace and self-awareness. He behaves inappropriately in public, yet is completely ignorant to how pathetic he appears to others. He often talks about how cool, successful, and popular he is, yet never catches on to the fact that he comes across as a total loser. Nevertheless, he firmly believes that he is the smartest, most desirable, and most charming person in the room... and will try to bad-rep anyone who would threaten to expose this facade. He fancies himself a ladies’ man, yet tends to be a joke to all but the most naive of women. He tries to portray himself as part of the in-crowd (a fashionista, an upwardly mobile professional, the life of the party, etc.) but only succeeds in his own mind. To everyone else, he is an annoying and arrogant phony who comes across as a wannabe overcompensating for his insecurities. He tries to appear like the center of whatever group will tolerate him, but in reality, he is just a tag-along who mooches drinks, women, contacts, social standing, and other benefits from the group... while contributing nothing.

Haha, Brilliant !!
Keep @ it and HH !!

 

[wainzoid]

A couple years ago I found a 1904 Barber half that was like new. Looked like it was lost the day it was made. I washed it with soap and water, then tumbled it in walnut, then corncob media. A few weeks later I took it to a coin shop that has been in business around 30 yrs. The two older gentlemen stood back in the corner and inspected it, whispered about it, and slobbered over it. After about 15 minutes they made me a reasonable offer for it. They had no idea it was dug or cleaned until I told them.

 

[Erik in NJ]

A couple years ago I found a 1904 Barber half that was like new. Looked like it was lost the day it was made. I washed it with soap and water, then tumbled it in walnut, then corncob media. A few weeks later I took it to a coin shop that has been in business around 30 yrs. The two older gentlemen stood back in the corner and inspected it, whispered about it, and slobbered over it. After about 15 minutes they made me a reasonable offer for it. They had no idea it was dug or cleaned until I told them.

Interesting! I'm assuming you used a vibratory tumbler as opposed to a rotary one. I have tumbled parts of pinball machines in crushed walnut shells and a little Flitz...works wonders and polishes to a high sheen. I have even done circulated state quarters and they come out with a mirror shine. I have never used corn cob media. Please educate me. I'm assuming that since they are both softer than silver they will not scratch it. I wonder if this constitues "cleaning" and ruins the numismatic value. Did they pay you a dug price or a non-dug price??