Flooding the online coin market of late are later-labeled PCI coins with easily detected sulfur-based artificial toning. Most of these coins typically would grade below PCGS, NGC, or Red Book price values, with some sellers using those prices in descriptions, as in this 1878-D Eisenhower dollar: The toning here is artificial. Such toning usually involves […]
When “gem” coins aren’t
When sellers use the word “gem,” they essentially mean MS-65 on the 70-point Sheldon Scale. The problem is, few “raw” or unholdered coins actually would earn that designation if evaluated by a top grading company. Typically in my Coin Update columns, I bid on raw coins, evaluate their condition, and then submit them to PCGS […]
Lowball bids snare fractional gold
Coin Update and Mint News Blog viewers have become accustomed to my continuing coverage of California Fractional Gold coins, tokens, souvenirs, charms, replicas, and counterfeits. I collect these small coins because of their pioneer history. Some numismatists believe the Fugio cent is the ultimate American coin. In many ways, it is, having only recently been […]
Fleeting beauty: Check TrueView on PCI/PCGS crossovers
Viewers of Coin Update know that I have posted several articles about the beautiful toning patterns of older green-label PCI-holdered American Silver Eagles. This was one of my most popular posts from a few years back. Here’s an image of some of my PCI/PCGS crossovers: Shortly after the above article was published, and after I […]
Questionable calls on questionable color
As regular viewers of Coin Update know, I collect and consign toned coins. I’m good at determining natural vs. artificial toning. I can provide examples, some of which I will share here, in which graders at top-tier holdering companies erroneously designated submissions as questionable. I have had good and bad experiences at both companies. I […]
The coveted Vam 4 Hot Lips 1888-O
One of the most overlooked varieties is the 1888-O “Hot Lips” Morgan dollar, which should be readily apparent just by a closeup of Lady Liberty’s lips. Here’s an example, compliments of PCGS CoinFacts: But the issue with online auctions, once again, is subpar photography. Recently I bid $260 on this coin, as it appeared on […]
When to contact sellers
Bidders in online auctions sometimes are reluctant to query sellers about lots that may have flaws, only to win those coins with scratches, cleaning, artificial toning, and other issues deemed ungradable by the major holdering companies. Other times you can strike a deal on a coin by making an offer. Major auction companies such as […]
California tokens sell for thousands
Whenever I have a question about a California gold coin, token, replica, souvenir, or charm, I always check Mike Locke’s California gold website, as he is the foremost expert on these tiny issues. I had identified the NGC tokens using his website, placing a bid of $150 on the lot of seven. It sold for […]
Reviewing Your Purchase History, Part III
Editor’s Note: Michael Bugeja’s columns are based on his buying experiences on eBay, Proxibid, and HiBid. He mostly bids on raw (not holdered) coins. In his monthly columns here, he provides tips on how to grade, identify varieties, spot doctoring, decipher subpar photos, and much more. Even with his expertise, he regrets most of his […]
Reviewing Your Purchase History, part II
Editor’s Note: Michael Bugeja’s columns are based on his buying experiences on eBay, Proxibid, and HiBid. He mainly bids on raw (not holdered) coins. In his monthly columns here, he provides tips on how to grade, identify varieties, spot doctoring, decipher subpar photos, and much more. Even with his expertise, he regrets most of his […]
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