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Details, cleaned, scratched: what those grades mean when you sell
A details grade means “real coin, problem surfaces.” It is not worthless. It is not the pretty number next to it. Shops bid accordingly.
You will see labels like UNC Details — Cleaned or XF Details — Damage.
Translation: we think it is genuine, and we think somebody already hurt it.
Why that matters
The number people quote from a price guide assumes problem-free. A cleaned coin is a different product. Sometimes still decent money. Often a lot closer to melt than the dream.
Don’t clean. Appraisal vs bid. Red Book is not a buy list.
Common problems
- Cleaning / hairlines / dip haze
- Scratches, rim dings, holes, mounts from jewelry
- Environmental damage, PVC, corrosion
- Tooling, added mint marks — that one can go from “details” to “no”
If your slab already says details
Do not crack it hoping the next service is in a better mood. Bring it. We can still bid it. Pretending it is a straight-grade MS65 is how the conversation gets short.
Part of the coin shop counter wiki · visitors & collectors · NumisQ Learn