I went a little out of my comfort zone and bought what I think is a real nice Bust Qtr. I might have passed on it because I like AU or better coins, What would you grade this coin? I have attached two different tones and looks. The coin is slightly between the two photos as the in hand look, slightly a little more chocolatey. Pics 1 Pics 2
Aside from the scratches, it's a handsome piece, and has slightly higher grade (details) than my past best of the type, which as I recall was VF25 or VF30 (PCGS, straight grade).
They are die cracks. Not all cracks are raised per say, and can go from raised to bi level in the same crack. If that makes sense. There are a few different photos of what I mean in the link below. Search Results for “Bi level die cracks”
I would say there is a die crack below her breast to the collar. The other two appear to be concave and are questionable in my opinion.
This is a B-5. Rarity-3. https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1835-25c-b-5/39001 NGC has the 3 different die stages of a B-5 variety. Early Quarters (1796-1838) | VarietyPlus® | NGC PS, I wouldn't buy a scratched coin, Just not my thing. The crack thru the forehead ad thru liberty is a bisecting die crack, rim to rim.
It is probably just the pictures for those cracks, but that is most certainly a B-5 and it lines up good. As for the grade - well hard to say because I think those cracks might cause some weak strike characteristics on the obverse. I definitely think it is VF35 at least - very nice coin. For comparison my 1835 B-4 is NGC AU-53.
Nice AU, you got a grade? This is a coin that made it thru the early 1900's, the 20th century ( probably in a collection) .
I think yours lines up really nice with VF-35, what I am not sure of is if the weak strike because of the cracks. I think the reverse looks XF - so I am just not sure how all of plays together for a final grade on your coin. I just know I like it.
