Expert: PAPAJACK - 9/16/2007

Question
how much would a kansas quarter with a die crack extending from the last A in America to the ear of washington be worth? also could you tell me how to wash the coin? it has some dirt on it. thank you.

Answer
Hello Pat,                         

These die crack found in coins although interesting, do not add value to the piece. Die Hard collectors want a perfectly made coin as it comes from the US Mint.
It does have some novelty value added to it if it is still in Uncirculated condition. Error collectors may want to have a look at it but I do not think it would sell for more than a dollar.
Error coin collecting is a separate field and there are no set price lists.

For cleaning any coin;
Let me first state as a Coin Collector that coins are worth much less to coin collectors after having been cleaned. There is usually no reason to clean a coin. Unless the substance on the coin is destroying the surface (like acid, PVC damage etc.). Any coin that has ever been cleaned will sell for much less.
True coin collectors don't recommend cleaning coins at all.
When a coin is cleaned the original surface is removed thus removing the luster that the purest collectors want to see.
The cleaned surface allows other contaminates to attack the surface. Also the cleaning may deposit other particles on the surface.

Also note that coins that are naturally toned (especially silver coins) bring higher prices than cleaned coins. Usually double the amount. Also if the coins have an unusual blue, olive, or rainbow colored toning they sometimes can be sold for many times their usual price.

Cleaning of Bronze, Copper, Silver or any coin renders it virtually valueless! Collectors would rather have a dark deep chocolate brown specimen or spotty brown than a cleaned coin. Even rubbing a coin with a very soft cloth can leave minute scratches on the surface that will adversely affect collector value.

To improve a coin's appearance it sometimes in the past was acceptable--on a very limited basis to gently swish it in a diluted solution of pure soap, rinse with distilled water and allow to air dry.  (Or pat dry lightly with a very soft cloth) Never use any type of commercial jewelry polish on coins. These compounds contain abrasive grit that will mar their surface, and if used often will eventually wear away the metal. The same advice goes for "home remedies" such as vinegar, lemon juice, tomato juice, etc. All will do more harm than good.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack