← Back to articles · Hobby & visiting shops ·
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
Extra pad history for details grades
Price guides assume a problem-free coin. Real drawers assume cousins, vinegar, jewelry mounts, and a rotary tool. That is why slabs say UNC Details — Cleaned or XF Details — Damage. Translation: we think it is genuine, and we think somebody already hurt it. The number people quote from a book is a different product.
Cleaning, hairlines, dip haze, scratches, rim dings, holes, mounts, PVC, corrosion, environmental damage — those are the common list. Tooling and added mint marks can go from “details” to “no.” Don’t clean is the whole religion because the next buyer can see it.
What the shop does with a details coin
We still bid it. Often closer to melt than the dream, especially on common dates. A rare date with original enough surfaces left can still be a collector conversation. If your slab already says details, do not crack it hoping the next service is in a better mood. Bring it. Pretending it is a straight-grade MS65 is how the conversation gets short.
Red Book is not a buy list. Greysheet assumes problem-free too. Appraisal vs cash bid. Fake slabs still get a cert lookup. Detector damage is environmental, not a mint error. Error hype.
People also ask
Is a cleaned coin worthless? No. It is a different, cheaper product.
Will dipping fix hairlines? No. It often makes them louder.
Should I crack a details slab? Usually no. Bring it sealed.
Does a hole kill gold? The gold is still there. The collector premium usually is not.