Expert: PAPAJACK - 12/15/2006

Question
I saw an 1889CC Morgan, slabbed @ EF-40, for sale. The slab also states "cleaned". I read your article on cleaning coins - very useful, thanks - and I am curious if this particular Morgan is useless or may be worth some percentage of its current "Coin Value" of $4,000. Thanks, R. Chaney

Answer
Hello Richard,  

Without seeing the coin no one can give you an estimate.
Cleaning does cut the value down.  You did not say what company graded the coin, this has an impact on the assigned value. There are so many counterfeits made of the 1889 CC coin and many have been doctored up with cleaning or artificial toning that it must be authenticated to get a valid price. Also if it is genuine, the nature of the way it was cleaned, how much good surface is left etc..

My listing for EF-40 PROBLEM FREE COIN is 3,800. A collector will not spend near that much for a coin with problems  but it is far from useless due to its rareness.  Given the best scenario it may sell from 1,500 to 2,000 dollars if it does have all the grade 40 features.  

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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack