My best Barber quarter and I messed it up

[MEinWV]

Here is the Barber quarter that I found near my "Best SLQ", on the sandy hilltop. I was amazed at the condition of the coin and then I made a huge mistake. The coin had a dusty coating on it, no sand, just a fine dust. I made the mistake of running my thumb across the front and back. I didn't rub the coin, just a light brush of the thumb. But that is all it took, and you can see all the superfine scratches on the surface. That dust was like millions of little cutters.

Aside from that, the coin is gorgeous and still has some mint luster.

For the mistake I made on this coin, I would like to take this opportunity to tell all detectorists and coin collectors out there that I am truly sorry for what I did.
I have made a promise to myself not to let it happen again. And I also plead with you all to learn from my error.

 

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[curbdiggercarl57]

My first Barber Quarter, (or for that matter, any Barber) was a 1916-D in the same condition as yours. Except for the deep 1/4" gouge I put on her neck. It happens, usually to the rarer, more valuable coins you may dig. Ah, what a learning experience!

 

[crazyjarhead]

Still a beauty..... valueable lesson for sure

 

[John987]

Sorry that you messed it up but that is still one beautiful coin.
Congratulations on your find and that spot you found!!
HH

John

 

[camperlee]

still a nice looking coin. lesson learned.

 

[Mentalfloss]

very nice

 

[jlb783]

It's still a beautiful coin. If it were me I probably would have done something and left gouges where your scratches are. lol

 

[grafter]

any way you look at it.that is a beautiful coin and a wonderful find!!!

 

[Dirty WhiteBoy]

Fantastic find! Don't feel bad....I've seen nice coins totally gouged by diggin shovels before! It could have been much worse! Congrats on an outstanding coin find!

 

[terpfan]

I too found a dream Barber Quarter (1911-S) with most of its original mint luster. I was shocked that a coin could look so new after being buried nearly a hundred years. I took the quarter to a local dealer to help determine whether it was worth slabbing. He laughed and said that the coin had obviously been cleaned, and went on to show me how coins of that age were "supposed" to look when they are uncirculated--with a nice patina. I explained that I had only rinsed the coin with soapy water, and that it had not changed the coloration of the coin. He clearly thought I was lying to him. I did not choose to slab the coin, and I'll never set foot in that shop again!

 

[MEinWV]

It's amazing how dealers treat us. I have also been in the position you were in with some of my coins. I don't take much stock in coin dealers. Our coins are never as good as theirs, and when they offer you something for them, it is a true insult.
Unless we know a dealer personally, We should be very careful in our dealings with them.

Thanks for your comments and congrats on your great coin!

HH

 

[whitesPA]

yah can see the fine marks .but shes still looks great

 

[allen]

congrats on that sweet silver !!

 

[pakeha63]

Nice coin Yes, I got a valuable lesson as well. My first silver coin was a Franklin, and gouged it with the digger. Dig bigger plugs.