Is a NGC or PCGS details grade a disaster? Here are some of my worst grading flops. You judge!

By special request I have pulled out some details grades that have kindly been awarded by NGC to me for showing blindness, unappreciation and a general lack of knowledge when selecting raw coins.

[rayman]

A cleaned coin is worth about 25 - 30 % less in most cases. Many dealers sell coins knowing they were cleaned ; however . they don't tell.

[helloqtip]

Cleaned or Not, it is still good to have a nice collection of OLD coins to look at....

[andrewb]

I have an 1878 San Francisco Mint Seated Liberty Quarter that I hope to get graded some day. I suspect it might catch a details label but either way it's a special coin to me. I don't usually buy Details Coins but the quarter I found in an old change jar I inherited from my late Grandfather. Hope it gets a Fine- Very Fine grade but Fine Details would be ok too. Just getting it into a protected slab will be a victory for me. I've never sent in a coin before.

[donaldinnewmexico]

I don't mind a problem coin at bullion pricing.

[andrewhart]

I always appreciate your viewpoint on these areas...it seems to be a fair/unbiased/even-keeled viewpoint ty for it!

[donaldinnewmexico]

Hi Numi, When looking at coins for problems such as cleaning, it would probably be best to look at coins the way the graders do. In a darkend room, use a halogen light, and view each side from four different directions and tilt it around to catch the light from different angles. That is one way to see hairlines that aren't easibly visable. Dipped coins change the luster and color. For that the only way to see a difference is through a lot of experance with many coins. You have a lot of experience having coins graded, so this might be something you already do. If not, it might help with future submissions. How are you looking at the coins for cleaning problems. Good luck with future submissions. Thanks, Donald

[philippayne]

Numistaker look for the cartwheel affect if you are not sure. If its bright and has no cartwheel affect its been cleaned. Sometimes they may only be gently washed in soap, but then the cartwheel affect goes, which is still cleaned. Original luster under the light will always have the cartwheel affect if not, its been cleaned.

[grantkeeling]

as a beginner coin collector ime very gratefull for the tips and advice you should be proud to know that you are helping people by showing your experiences and would like to say thanks and keep up the good work mate

[jakevanevelingen]

Really interesting vid Russell, I have been wondering what warrants a details grade 👍🏻

[zman]

Great Video - I feel your pain! To answer your question, yes I would buy a details slabbed coin if the coin was rare or Key as they hold the value of affordability to a collector.

[MrMonkeySwag]

I recently ordered a 1879 Liberty Head gold $2.5 that was graded by NGC as "Unc Details" with a "Obverse Scratch". I also own a 1877 Carson City Seated quarter that was graded by PCGS as "VG Details" with "Rim Damage". I'm the type of collector that buys these details grade coins just for the bargain prices.

[LITTLEMOESILVERgsw]

WOW!! This video was very insightful, very informative and interesting!!

[ExpositionMedals]

Very helpful comments. I just got back my first 10 medals from NGC. Most were MS62-66 so I was pleased. But one came back Details: Damage Rev. It did have a rim bump there. The other was Au Details Cleaned. I just bought that one and did get a discount, but now I know why. Still nice medals.

[jagzilla]

I would stay away, but honestly the details grade is BS..Bag marks all over are fine, but then they're going to go off about some sight rim marks or a single scratch.

[necronomicon]

The last coin, environmental damage is those very small black dots on the coin that look like paint splatter. You can see them pretty strong above the eagles head. It's "mold" on the coin.

[dennismendoza]

Thank you for your video and reminded me of my 1887 gold dollar pcgs ms 67. I miss my 1887 I sold for $6000

[TheSilverSlacker]

Great information to share, thank you!

[barnesmultimedia]

We hear "cleaned" but, often times, these coins were polished or even spruced up on a buffing wheel.

[marinegreensub]

'Environmental Damage', according to NGC, is the result of a hostile storage environment. This is often from old plastic flips or highly reactive paper holders that leach out onto the surface of the coin causing irreparable damage. This type of negative metallurgic reaction leaves the coin surface in a state that makes them ineligible for numeric grading, thus the 'Details' designation.

[andrewrogers]

I have a very nice, MS condition, Red 1972 ddo penny that got an UNC Details - Environmental Damage grade by NGC. I believe it’s bc there are 3 tiny pvc spots (spots caused by improper storage). They seems to be really strict about that kind of stuff