Not every coin earns a straight numeric grade. Coins with problems—cleaning, damage, environmental issues, or repairs—receive "details grades" that indicate the technical grade while documenting the impairment. For dealers, these coins represent both challenges and opportunities.
Details-graded coins typically sell at significant discounts to problem-free examples. But understanding how to price, describe, and sell problem coins effectively opens access to a substantial market segment. Many collectors want better dates or types they couldn't otherwise afford, and details-graded coins make that possible.
This guide covers everything dealers need to know about problem coins: understanding different problem types, pricing strategies, honest disclosure practices, and effective sales approaches that serve both your business and your customers.
Understanding Details Grades
Details grades provide information about both the coin's technical grade and its problems:
How Details Grades Work
A details grade has three components:
- Service verification: "PCGS Genuine" or "NGC"
- Problem identification: "Cleaned," "Scratched," etc.
- Technical grade: "AU Details," "VF Details," etc.
Example: "PCGS Genuine - Improperly Cleaned - AU Details" tells you:
- PCGS authenticated the coin as genuine
- The coin shows evidence of improper cleaning
- Without the cleaning, the coin would grade About Uncirculated
Why Details Grades Exist
Details grades serve important market functions:
- Authentication: Confirms coin is genuine despite problems
- Transparency: Documents issues that affect value
- Market function: Enables informed buying decisions
- Protection: Prevents problems from being hidden
Details vs. No Grade
| Outcome | Meaning | Typical Scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| Details Grade | Genuine coin with documentable problem | Cleaning, scratches, environmental damage |
| No Grade | Cannot authenticate or serious issues | Counterfeit, tooled, seriously altered |
| Questionable Authenticity | Cannot confirm genuine | Suspected counterfeit, altered date |
Types of Coin Problems
Cleaning-Related Problems
The most common problems relate to cleaning attempts:
| Problem | Description | Value Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaned | Evidence of cleaning, method unclear | 30-50% discount |
| Improperly Cleaned | Harsh cleaning evident | 40-60% discount |
| Whizzed | Wire brush used to simulate luster | 50-70% discount |
| Polished | Surfaces have been polished | 50-70% discount |
| Artificial Toning | Toning artificially applied | 40-60% discount |
Damage-Related Problems
| Problem | Description | Value Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Scratched | Surface scratches beyond normal contact | 30-50% discount |
| Damaged | General term for physical damage | 40-70% discount |
| Bent | Coin has been bent | 50-80% discount |
| Holed | Hole drilled or punched | 60-80% discount |
| Plugged | Hole has been filled | 50-70% discount |
Environmental Problems
| Problem | Description | Value Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Damage | Corrosion, pitting from environment | 40-60% discount |
| Corrosion | Active or past corrosion | 40-70% discount |
| Mount Removed | Evidence of jewelry mounting | 50-70% discount |
Alteration Problems
| Problem | Description | Value Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Tooled | Surfaces altered with tools | 60-80% discount |
| Repaired | Damage has been repaired | 50-70% discount |
| Re-engraved | Design elements enhanced | 60-80% discount |
Pricing and Discount Strategies
General Pricing Framework
Details-graded coins sell at discounts from problem-free equivalents:
Basic Formula
Details Price = Problem-Free Price × (1 - Discount %)
Example: Problem-free AU-55 = $500, Cleaned discount = 40%
Details Price = $500 × 0.60 = $300
Factors Affecting Discount
- Problem severity: Light cleaning vs. harsh polishing
- Problem type: Cleaning vs. holed vs. tooled
- Coin rarity: Rare coins see smaller discounts
- Technical grade: Higher grades may see larger percentage discounts
- Eye appeal: Attractive despite problem = smaller discount
Rarity Adjustments
Discounts compress for rare coins:
| Coin Rarity | Typical Cleaning Discount |
|---|---|
| Common date | 40-60% |
| Better date | 30-50% |
| Key date | 20-40% |
| Major rarity | 10-30% |
Rarity principle: When problem-free examples are nearly unobtainable, collectors accept problems. A cleaned 1893-S Morgan Dollar may bring 70-80% of problem-free value because clean examples are so scarce.
Grade-Based Pricing
Higher technical grades often see larger percentage discounts:
- Circulated grades: Wear already expected, cleaning less impactful
- AU grades: Cleaning more noticeable, moderate discount
- MS grades: Surface quality paramount, larger discount
Disclosure and Ethics
Full Disclosure Requirements
Ethical dealing requires complete honesty about problems:
- Title disclosure: Include problem in listing title
- Description detail: Explain the specific problem
- Image clarity: Show the problem clearly in photos
- No minimization: Don't downplay the issue
Ethics Matter
Attempting to hide or minimize problems damages trust and reputation. Buyers will discover problems. Full disclosure protects you legally and builds long-term customer relationships. Price accordingly and sell honestly.
Proper Listing Language
Good disclosure examples:
- Title: "1893 Morgan Dollar PCGS AU Details - Cleaned"
- Description: "This coin shows evidence of past cleaning with light hairlines visible under magnification. The surfaces have since retoned naturally. Despite the cleaning, the coin presents well and offers an affordable entry point for this semi-key date."
Poor disclosure (avoid):
- Vague: "Some imperfections" (be specific)
- Minimizing: "Barely cleaned" (let buyer judge)
- Omitting: Not mentioning problem at all (unacceptable)
Buyer Segments for Problem Coins
Budget Collectors
- Motivation: Want type or date they couldn't otherwise afford
- Acceptance: Understand trade-off between problem and price
- Marketing: Emphasize value and affordability
Date/Set Completionists
- Motivation: Need specific date to complete collection
- Acceptance: Placeholder until better example affordable
- Marketing: "Fill the hole" messaging
Educational/Display
- Motivation: Teaching examples, display pieces
- Acceptance: Condition secondary to other factors
- Marketing: Emphasize educational or display value
Jewelry/Craft Buyers
- Motivation: Creating jewelry or crafts with real coins
- Acceptance: Problem irrelevant to their use
- Marketing: Emphasize authenticity and appearance
Effective Selling Strategies
Value Proposition Focus
Frame problem coins positively while being honest:
- Affordability: "Own this key date at a fraction of problem-free prices"
- Authenticity: "PCGS certified genuine—no question about authenticity"
- Appearance: "Presents well despite the noted problem"
- Completeness: "Complete your set without breaking the budget"
Proper Photography
- Show the problem: Don't hide it—include clear images
- Show the appeal: Also capture what's attractive about the coin
- Multiple angles: Let buyers assess fully
- Slab label: Show the details grade clearly
Pricing for Quick Sale
- Aggressive pricing: Problem coins move on price, not rarity
- Competitive research: Check what similar problem coins sell for
- Consider make-offer: Let market determine value
Bundling Strategies
- Problem coin lots: Bundle similar problem coins for volume discount
- Type set builder: Offer affordable complete type sets
- Date set fillers: Package common problems with same series
Raw vs. Certified Problem Coins
Selling Problem Coins Raw
Sometimes selling raw makes more sense:
- Advantages: No holder documenting problem, buyer assesses personally
- Disadvantages: No authentication, less trust
- Best for: Low-value coins where grading cost exceeds benefit
Selling Certified Details
Certification has advantages for problem coins:
- Authentication: Confirms coin is genuine
- Transparency: Problem officially documented
- Trust: Buyer knows exactly what they're getting
- Best for: Valuable coins where authentication matters
Should You Grade Problem Coins?
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Low-value common with problem | Sell raw—grading cost not justified |
| Better date with minor problem | Consider grading for authentication |
| Key date with problem | Grade—authentication crucial |
| Uncertain if problem exists | Grade to get definitive answer |
Buying Problem Coins
Opportunities in Problem Coins
- Undervalued inventory: Some problem coins priced too cheaply
- Key date access: Acquire dates you couldn't afford problem-free
- Volume opportunities: Lots of problem coins at deep discounts
What to Avoid
- Harsh problems: Tooled, holed, or heavily damaged coins sell slowly
- Common dates: Problem-free examples are affordable
- Overpriced problems: Some sellers price problems too close to clean
Evaluation Checklist
- Identify problem: What exactly is wrong?
- Assess severity: How bad is the problem?
- Check eye appeal: Does it still look decent?
- Research pricing: What do similar problems sell for?
- Calculate margin: Can you profit at appropriate discount?
Key Takeaways
- Details grades indicate technical grade plus documented problem
- Problem types range from cleaning to damage to alterations
- Typical discounts range from 30-80% depending on problem and rarity
- Rare coins see smaller discounts—collectors accept problems for scarce dates
- Full disclosure is ethically required and protects your reputation
- Target budget collectors, set completionists, and educational buyers
- Price aggressively—problem coins sell on value, not scarcity
- Consider whether certification adds value for specific problem coins
- Buying opportunities exist in appropriately discounted problem coins
- Avoid harsh problems and common dates with problems
Manage Your Complete Inventory
SyncAuction handles all certified coins including details grades. Apply appropriate pricing rules and maintain accurate inventory data across your problem-free and problem coin inventory.
Request a Demo →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a details grade on a coin?
A details grade is assigned by PCGS or NGC when a coin has a problem that prevents a numeric grade. It includes the problem type (cleaned, scratched, etc.) and the technical grade the coin would receive if problem-free (AU Details, VF Details, etc.). Details grades authenticate the coin while documenting its impairment.
How much less are details graded coins worth?
Details graded coins typically sell for 30-70% less than problem-free examples at the same technical grade. Discounts vary by problem type (cleaning is less severe than holing), coin rarity (rare coins see smaller discounts), and eye appeal. Light cleaning on a common coin might mean 40-50% discount, while holed coins might see 60-80% discounts.
Should I buy details graded coins for my inventory?
Details graded coins can be profitable inventory if priced correctly. Focus on better dates where problem-free examples are expensive—collectors accept problems for coins they otherwise can't afford. Avoid harsh problems (holed, tooled) and common dates where problem-free coins are readily available.
Is it better to sell problem coins raw or certified?
It depends on value. For lower-value coins, grading costs may exceed the benefit—sell raw. For valuable coins, especially key dates, certification provides authentication that buyers value. The details grade documents the problem but also confirms the coin is genuine, which matters for expensive coins.
What is the difference between cleaned and improperly cleaned?
"Cleaned" indicates evidence of cleaning without specifying severity. "Improperly Cleaned" typically indicates harsher cleaning methods that caused more visible damage like hairlines or altered surfaces. Improperly cleaned coins usually see larger discounts than coins simply noted as cleaned.
Who buys details graded coins?
Several buyer segments: budget collectors who want types or dates they can't afford problem-free, set completionists filling holes in their collections, educational buyers wanting teaching examples, and jewelry/craft makers wanting authentic coins regardless of collector grade. Marketing to these segments helps move problem coin inventory.
How should I disclose problems in my listings?
Full disclosure is required. Include the problem in your title (e.g., "PCGS AU Details - Cleaned"), describe the problem specifically in your description, and provide clear photos showing the issue. Never minimize or hide problems—this destroys trust and invites returns and negative feedback.
Are details graded key dates a good buy?
Often yes. Key dates with problems may be the only affordable way to own certain coins. Collectors accept problems when problem-free examples cost 10× more or are rarely available. A cleaned 1916-D Mercury Dime might be the only way most collectors can own this key date.
What problems cause the largest discounts?
Holed coins, tooled surfaces, and heavy damage typically see the largest discounts (60-80%). These are difficult or impossible to overlook and significantly alter the coin's appearance. Cleaning-related problems generally see smaller discounts (30-50%) as the coin may still present well despite hairlines.
Can details graded coins be upgraded?
Generally no. Once a coin has been cleaned, damaged, or otherwise impaired, the problem is permanent. Some coins may have problems detected at one service but not another, but this is rare and represents grading difference, not coin improvement. Don't buy problem coins expecting to "upgrade" them to straight grades.
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