Purchasers of collectible silver and gold coins may become victims of deliberate coin alteration. The Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) has long been working with other coin grading entities to combat scams whereby con artists intentionally alter coins to gain enhanced value from their sale.
A spring 2012 meeting of PNG dealers and members finally yielded a working definition of doctored coins that will set standards worldwide. Below is the three-pronged definition that constitutes coin doctoring.
1.) Action to alter metal so that coins appear to be in better condition, than they actually are. These actions could include, but are not limited to engraving, polishing, plugging or creating mint markings.
2.) Using substances to enhance a coin’s appearance, thereby enhancing its apparent value. Use of professionally applied, commercially available products, such as solvents or diluted acids would not be included in this definition.
3.) Exposure of coins to substances or processes that create the illusion of better condition and greater value. This exposure must be intentional, and not traditionally used or naturally-occurring.
