Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

I'm just curious as to why ANACS grades coins and labels them as "cleaned" or "damaged" while NGC and PCGS don't. I have an opportunity to purchase a 19xx-P (no mint mark) Double Eagle that is graded by ANACS as having MS-60 details, but cleaned. The number is 2865916 (can I look this up on their website or something?). I know the year, but it doesn't matter, because it's a common coin.

The price is $774.00 shipped, which is a little lower than bullion price ($806 * 0.9675 = $779.805), so I guess it's worth buying at this point no matter what.

In any case, does the MS-60 mean anything if the coin has been cleaned? I know nothing about numismatics and think I will buy the coin in any case, but I just wanted to ask. Thanks.

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

Yeah, my grandfather never cleaned his silver. He had a bunch of merc dimes from the teens that had these rainbow patterns all over them.

I cleaned that right off once I got ahold of them. They shine like no other now!

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

Under spot, I would grab it (assuming you're not scared away by spot over $800!).

But it isn't worth much numismatically once it's been cleaned. But, if it hasn't been harshly cleaned (I have a $20 Lib that looks awful, cleaned to a shine but it pitted the surface), then it's probably pleasing to look at, and you can get it under spot. I always buy old U.S. gold at or under spot when I have the chance.

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

You should never clean your coins! It makes them so shiny and fake! I remember I once got this really old silver coin - something out of Switzerland - and it was so beautifully toned and then a friend of mine accidently spilled cola over it and wiped it with a cloth and water!

Gone was the purple/azure/turqoise toning :thumpdown:

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

Yeah, I was just being my normal jackass self in that post above.:wink:

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

Turner Son - PCGS is, at this very moment, considering grading coins as cleaned - as you have heard - cleaning them lessens the value of them numismatically - and people even pay MORE for toned or rainbow coins.........but PCGS is lossing al ot of potential business turning away cleaned coins that they are considering grading and marking them as cleaned.

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

It can mean a lot of things. I thave spoken to the corner store dealer about this quite a bit. I am under the impression that ANACS will say that for dipped coins and not just whizzed or whatever. So it it covers a range of problems. I have seen them marked "scratched" or "harshly cleaned" too. I like this; why not slab a nice coin that has a small problem, and name it? A lot of what I want in a certified coin is AUTHENTICITY when buying sight unseen, less so the grading. Though its good to have an independent grade assigned which you can trust better than an anonymous joe's.

I have very little problem with mildly dipped coins, esp if the job done was not too harsh. So I have no fixiation against buying cleaned anacs slabbed coins if the price is right. Its a strike against them but if they look good and the price is right, go for it.

I read somewhere dont ever buy an ugly coin. That is one I'm going to stick with.

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

Yeah, I bought it. I figured the price was right and the coin looks very nice, so why not?

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

Yes, I agree completely with this! Especially knowing nothing about numismatics. I bought this for the bullion price.

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

Be careful when cleaning coins!! I tried it on a couple. didnt work out to well.

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

I would say nice buy! :applause_

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

As it sounds like you are buying for bullion, I would HIGHLY recommend buying cleaned coins as they are cheaper.

Unlike a numismatist, I love buying "cleaned" discount gold. If I were to buy double eagles, I'd only buy cleaned.

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

I like nice looking coins and that one damn sure is; I'd snatch it in a heartbeat for less than spot.

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

Good advice. If you think it is ugly, someone else will too. But, it can be a good thing too, as you can buy an ugly coin for ugly coin prices. :D

Hey, Turner Son:

Great coin. Yes it has been cleaned, but it looks great. Good buy.

The Great Ag

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

Does gold tarnish ?
No, gold does not tarnish or corrode. Your gold coins will retain their color and brightness, literally forever.

Can I clean gold coins ?
It's not necessary, as gold doesn't tarnish, and cleaning or polishing them will take away their original Mint finish and hurt their resale value.

I'm not sure how gold coins tone when they don't tarnish, unless they're sitting out getting cigar smoke blown all over them, or the environment is dirty.

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

Its not the gold that tarnishes. It is the other metals that are mixed with the gold to make it more durable that tarnish.

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

Unfortunately, Copper does tarnish. Saints are 10% Copper.

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

http://austin.craigslist.org/clt/468249748.html


anyone going to meet him?

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

Hey, thanks all - my first foray into buying a slabbed coin went pretty well. Especially since I got it as bullion.

I have no clue what was wrong with it in the first place (why it was cleaned), but it looks even nicer than the pics indicate. My first St. Gaudens.

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

That double eagle is looking prettier by the minute! :tongue_ma:

Re: Cleaned $20 (Double Eagle)?
 

WORTH Over a grand now!