What Does “Details” Mean on a Coin Slab?

A details grade is assigned to a coin when a grading service determines that the coin has been altered or damaged in a way that disqualifies it from receiving a straight numerical grade. The grader still evaluates the coin’s level of wear (VF, AU, MS, etc.) but the final grade includes a note explaining the issue, such as “Cleaned,” “Scratched,” or “Environmental Damage.”

This doesn’t necessarily mean the coin is fake or worthless. It means the coin has a problem that’s significant enough to affect its market value and its appeal to collectors. It’s still genuine. It’s still collectible. But it comes with a caveat.

Why It Matters

If you’ve ever submitted a coin for grading, or bought one already slabbed, seeing the word Details can feel like a gut punch. It’s not the tidy VF30 or MS64 you were hoping for. It’s a label that says something’s wrong. And at first glance, it feels like a penalty.

But it’s not a punishment. It’s protection.

When a grading company like PCGS gives a coin a Details grade, they’re drawing a hard line between coins that meet strict, collectible standards and coins that don’t. It tells buyers exactly what they’re getting and stops cleaned, damaged, or altered coins from being quietly passed off as problem-free.

This system keeps the hobby honest. You might not love seeing Cleaned or Environmental Damage on a label, but it’s the kind of transparency that keeps collectors from making expensive mistakes and gives problem coins a home at a fair price.

Common PCGS Details Categories

Cleaned — The coin has been scrubbed, wiped, dipped, or otherwise altered to remove dirt or toning. Cleaning or polishing can strip away original surfaces and destroy luster, even if the intent was to make it look nicer. This is by far the most common details label.

Environmental Damage — The coin was exposed to moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures, typically resulting in corrosion, spotting, pitting, or unnatural toning. Common in metal detector finds and old coins stored improperly.

Scratched — One or more noticeable scratches are present, usually deeper or more distracting than typical contact marks from circulation. These are often from rough handling or attempts to “clean” the coin with something abrasive.

Bent — The coin has a visible warp or bend in the metal. This can happen from heavy impact or being used outside its intended purpose (e.g., jewelry or novelty).

Repaired — Signs of physical alteration or metal work to fix damage, fill holes, or disguise flaws. Most common in older coins with high value where someone tried to restore them.

Damage — A catch-all term used when the issue doesn’t fit neatly into another label. Could be anything from tool marks to dents or deep gouges.

Planchet Flaw — The coin has a defect that originated before it was struck, such as a lamination or a metal impurity. Technically not post-mint damage, but still affects how the coin presents.

Holed — A coin that’s been drilled or punched, often for use in jewelry or as a pendant. Sometimes you’ll see “Removed” when a hole was plugged or patched.

Plugged — The hole has been filled, usually to restore the coin’s shape. Plugging usually leaves visible differences in color or surface texture.

Should You Buy a Details-Graded Coin?

A details grade doesn’t automatically mean the coin is worthless. In fact, if you’re building a collection on a budget or trying to fill tough spots in a set, these coins can be a smart move, if you know what you’re buying.

Here’s how to think about it:

1. Know why it got the details grade.

Some issues are worse than others. A coin marked “cleaned” with good eye appeal might still look great in an album. One with environmental damage or deep scratches might be tougher to live with. Read the label carefully and inspect the photos (or better yet, see it in hand).

2. Compare the price to problem-free examples.

Details coins should always be cheaper than their straight-graded counterparts. How much cheaper depends on the severity of the problem and the rarity of the coin. A “scratched” key date coin might still cost hundreds and still be a good deal compared to a clean one.

3. Match the coin to your goals.

Are you building a high-grade investment set? Skip the details coins.

Just want a complete collection you can be proud of? Details coins let you get there without going broke.

4. Watch out for resale limitations.

Details coins are harder to resell. Some buyers avoid them entirely. If you’re thinking about future value, factor that into your decision.

A Quick Note on Cracking Slabs

Some collectors choose to crack open slabs and free the coin, either to put it in an album or to sell it raw. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that (it’s your coin). But if you’re cracking a details-graded coin and reselling it, you owe it to the buyer to be honest about what it was.

That details label exists for a reason. Removing it doesn’t make the issue disappear, it just hides it from the next collector. The coin community runs on trust, and once that’s gone, it’s hard to get it back.

Wrapping Up

Getting a details grade can feel like a setback, but it’s actually one of the most important tools we have to keep the hobby honest. It helps maintain transparency, protects collectors from overpaying, and reminds us that eye appeal and originality matter just as much as wear.

If you’re buying, selling, or just trying to understand why a coin didn’t get a straight grade, knowing the different types of details grades gives you a big edge. Not every details coin is a bad buy, but every details coin comes with a story you need to understand before pulling the trigger.

Keep this post handy, because you’ll see the word details a lot more as you dive deeper into the world of collecting.