What are your thoughts as to grade, appearance, possible value? I've had this example since 1991, and it is beginning to get red and blue toning around the edges. In case the pictures don't make it obvious, it is a brilliant example and not a cameo. I'm considering sending it in to NGC if its PF65 or better. Thank you CT.
It might receive a grade of proof 67. Without being in a slab, it would probably attract its melt value. The toning appears cute, though.
To meet minimum submission requirements lol. I have some cameo dimes from the 50's to submit as well, and needed a 5th coin. Submitting to TPG is also along the lines of something new. I've never submitted before, so its a learning experience. Lastly, I received it as a gift, so to me, its not a big deal to spend the $17 to get it graded as I never paid out of pocket to begin with. Its a coin I've had since I was kid, and was my first Franklin.
I never mentioned that being in a slab would add value to it. With "without being in a slab [...]," I was trying to separate "melt value" from "a grade of proof 67". I could have continued my first sentence with the following: if the coin gets into an NGC slab with a grade of proof 67, it can reasonably sell itself for 30 USD.
Actually, this would need to be higher than 65 to be worth the expense of slabbing it, IMO; and would really need to grade 68 or more. At best it's a 64, possible shot for 65, but I think 64 is a good grade for it and can be found for $22-$25 in that grade and even slightly over melt if you look hard enough. Nice looking proof though.
Instead of submitting your half. Go out and find a really nice red lincoln cent, the earlier the better! Find one with no distracting contact marks, carbon spots and so forth. If you submit one and it grades out 67 or higher, that will be a big money coin. And the best part is, you will probably spend $1-2 on it in the first place. That will be more than worth the submission fee.
The most common grade given seem to be 66, so you should have a good chance of getting good grade, there isn't much of a price difference between 64-68 though. A NGC PR68 star only sold for $36 4 months ago.
With the scratch on the neck and hits on the rev, and spotting close to the rim, I don't see any way that coin could grade higher than 64.
There is not scratch on the neck- Its a reflection from my camera lanyard. In person, the spotting around the rim is reb, blue, and brown. The coin is not a big deal. It's purely sentimental to me. I've always figured it was 64-65, so to see some folks suggest 66 or 67 was surprising to me. There is no way it would be 68- there are too many small surface imperfections from the original mint cello. In person, the surface is not cloudy, but you can see extremely fine white spots through the mirrors.
Good to see you dropped the act. How can a coin be "at best" a 64 and have a "possible shot" at 65? Please enlighten me. To the OP, if the coin means something and you want it slabbed, submit it and do not concern yourself with the opinions expressed here. Your opinion, and that of the TPG, is all that matters.