I got this exact same set around 15 years ago. I notice they are selling for around $ 130 or so on ebay. When I opened the case I noticed the coins were all tarnished.
Do I clean the tarnish off them or list them “as is”?
It’s been a while since I followed numismatic stuff, but as far as I know “cleaning” a coin destroys a lot of its value. So don’t do it.
That’s what I’ve heard as well. Unless you’re a professional, you should never clean coins. You’ll just reduce their value.
I know zero about rare coins, but even I figured out the answer. Heck, Jean Paul Sartre couldn’t even speak English and he knew! “Comment peut-on réparer une faute irrévocable ?”
When my son gets a “golden” dollar coin from the tooth fairy, we make sure it’s nice and shiny. We don’t worry about the ketchup damage killing it’s value.
DO NOT EVER CLEAN COINS. One man’s “tarnish” is another man’s “patina,” and it could increase the coin’s value. The only exception would be if it’s actually got dirt on it; and even then, take it to a pro.
If done non-abrasively, say with liquid tarnish remover, it’s not verboten. Especially if the tarnish isn’t pretty. Just don’t rub the coins while drying.
BTY, I’d sell you the same nice uncirculated set of three without the pretty case right now for $150 dlvd.
I’m an amateur collector. I will not clean coins myself under any circumstances. Cleaning is for the professional and only at the recommendation of the professional that I trust. I’ve got a local honest coin dealer and am very happy.
Disagree. Cleaning collectible coins is explicitly ‘verboten’.
Liquid tarnish remover? On a silver coin?
Jeeze man, why not just scuff it on asphalt?
You do know samclem is a professional coin dealer and has been for quite some time, right?
Not to mention he clearly said NOT to rub it. He’s clearly talking about the kind of tarnish remover that you just dip the silver in.