I see a lot of clean coins at local auctions and at ebay.. Most are classified as F, VF, EF and AU.. The only coins I am sure that were not cleaned are those retaining their Mint Shine or Cartwheel Effect.. Even an ugly coin which was soaked in a special solution and rubbed with cotton, will show some luster if it is not previously cleaned, while a circulated coin will not show any luster. This is proven so many times by some of my friends and a lot of collectors know about this little secret.

This is yet another manifestation of the rampant over-grading problem that is threatening Philippine numismatics. Cleaning coins, doctoring coins, over-grading coins all contribute to rip-offs, lost opportunities and, most importantly, a loss of confidence in our numismatics.

Auction catalogers, dealers, collectors - everyone must be part of the solution. Until then, they are part of the problem!

Kalookan