I've had this coin since the late 80's when I bought it a a B&M auction. Bowers described it (more or less) as follows: untoned (or bright maybe, I don't remember), reflective surfaces, with a hairline or two in front to the bust, otherwise free of marks. I've had her sitting on a tray on and off for decades....this is what she looks like today. Some peripheral toning has developed and the surfaces have become less bright over the years. As mentioned, the surfaces are reflective and free of traces of cleaning. BUT, there is a hairline in front of the bust, mostly visible if you look at it at an angle. Quite a nice coin, in fact. With all that said, how would you grade her today?
With the west I’m seeing on the eagle feathers and claws and on Liberty’s hair I’d be at a XF-45, maybe AU-50. Very nice looking coin and free of marks.
I believe I see a very weak strike on both obverse and reverse. I think it's strike and not wear because I don't see any evidence of luster break on the high points. Of course, I really can't determine luster from these photos so my first statement is a bit of a flier. So, out on a limb I go: MS-64 I think this is one of those coins where an "in-hand" evaluation is required. I am excited to see where others go with this one. Thanks @Eduard for posing another delicious coin pastry.
I'd grade it EF-45, maybe AU-50, depending upon the luster. Given "grade-flation" it's probably an AU for sure now. NGC graded this one AU-58 over 20 years ago. I bought this raw from JJ Teaparty when the company was in Boston over 30 years ago. NGC overgraded this one EF-45. I knew it was overgraded when I bought it, but I didn't feel like spending years to find the "right one." I wanted the date because no cents were produced in 1815, and I wanted one coin from each year from 1793 to date. This one filled the hole. My grade is VF-30. The mint had not issued a quarter since 1807 when they made this coin. The story is a New Orleans bank wanted quarters for some reason. Most banks wanted half dollars. They really wanted dollars, but the mint had stopped issuing those in 1804.
I would have to know more about what kind of strikes are typical for this year, but my initial (no books consulted) is a VF-35. James
Wow! I'll go out on a limb and guess... umm... AU53? PS- after reading @Publius2 's comments, I wonder about that flatness being mostly due to weak strike instead of light rub. Interesting. So maybe MS? I really don't know, but I guess I'll stick with AU+.
Thank you all very much for your comments and grade opinions. I know I've said this before, but I'll say it again - your advice is invaluable to me as I'm in the process of adding qualified grades to my coin files. Thanks again.
@Eduard, I for one would find it illuminating if you would tell us what you have landed on for a grade for these coins where you've asked for our opinion. Maybe what you thought before you posted the GTG and then what you settled on after the GTG. Think of this as a "grading fee" LOL
Of course, it's only fair: Based on my own limited experience with grading I would have described this coin as EF40, maybe EF45? Beyond that, I don't trust my judgement. Based on the opinions you all have kindly provided, I will now grade this coin AU50-AU53, and that is the way I will describe its' condition in my files. My primary collection area is EAC's, and have taken pains to learn that (not always easy given planchet issues). I think, though, I do pretty good there. Silver, is another matter.
I said XF-45 because of the features in Liberty’s hair, the eagles wing tips and claws. AU-50 must be a slight trace of wear but I’m seeing more than a slight trace of wear. More so than a weak strike.
Nice coins Eduard. What's your address? I have friends who are cat burglars. Just kidding. You've got quite a treasure trove of rare coins.
