In the context of numismatics, or coin collecting, the term “cull coin” refers to a coin that is in poor condition due to significant wear, damage, or other imperfections.
This can include:
- Heavy wear and rubbed-out details.
- Scratches, dents, or holes.
- Corrosion or toning issues.
- Cleaning marks or damage from improper handling.
- Bending or warping.
Cull coins are typically considered unsuitable for grading by professional services and hold little numismatic (collector’s) value due to their condition. However, they often still retain their intrinsic metal value, especially if they are made of precious metals like silver or gold.
For example, a heavily worn Morgan Silver Dollar, even in cull condition, still contains 0.7734 troy ounces of silver and can be valued based on the current spot price of silver.
Why someone might buy a cull coin:
- Affordability: Cull coins are significantly cheaper than higher-grade examples, making them accessible to collectors or investors on a budget.
- Metal content: For those primarily interested in the precious metal content (e.g., silver stackers), cull coins offer a way to acquire the metal at a lower premium.
- Historical interest: Even in poor condition, cull coins can be interesting historical artifacts, and some collectors appreciate their “story” of wear and use.
While not generally sought after by traditional collectors, cull coins do hold a place in the market for specific purposes.
What makes a coin a cull?
In the world of coins, a cull coin is one that has significant wear, damage, or other imperfections that disqualify it from receiving a higher grade by third-party grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company). Cull coins may have: Heavy scratches or gouges.
What is cull grade?
From my experience, Cull grade means fruit of lower than commercial grade except when such fruit included with commercial fruit does not exceed the permissible tolerance permitted in a com- mercial grade ; View Source.
What does a clad coin look like?
From my experience, Some coins are sandwiches…
This is called a “clad” coin. The layers of a clad coin are like a sandwich. The quarter and dime have a layer of copper inside layers of a nickel-copper mix. On the outside of a quarter –the bread– is a nickel-copper mixture that is silver in color.