1851 Braided Hair Cent (51/81?)

Howdy fellow coin peeps, :thumb:

I've run across an interesting BHC that looks like it could be a 1851/81 version but there's even more to it than that. There are COUNTLESS "errors" on the reverse of the coin, that would make any cherrypicker drool, and I've tried to figure out what variety this is but Coinfacts has only one pictured coin but 43 possible varieties listed (45 minus 2 delisted varieties).

Can anyone figure out what variety this is and is this a 1851/81?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=330227794327&ssPageName=STRK:MEBI:IT&ih=014

Ribbit

 

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I don't think so - the point of curl over 8 is wrong and the 5 looks way to close to the hair. Just my opinion.

 

The only 1851/81 versions I've seen had a small "1" under the larger 1, whereas this one has a doubling of the one (look at top of the 1). That's why I question if it's a true 1851/81 version but then this doubling and all the errors on the back, make me wonder what variety it is.

Ribbit

 

The only image I have is the one in the Breen book.
It's nothing like the image in the auction.
I'll try to post an image of one I have this weekend.
The reverse of the auction coin is a bit wild.
I have seen this look before but can't recall the cause.

 

Since I have gotten into collecting Half & Large Cents I need (mandatory) to get that book but do you have any idea of what the going price is for it and can I find a used copy for less and where?

Ribbit

 

I google'd it and found it is a hard item to come by but doable. There's a used one on Ebay currently and it's going for $122 but I can buy it new for $121. I've found that certain used items go for more on Ebay than you can buy new. :whistle:

Ribbit

 

Well you can get the newcomb book here for 50$. Or here is another place - which I have not used. Now the only problem is that not all varieties are included in the Newcomb book, plus it includes some that have been eliminated. Let me see if I can attribute that coin.

 

What difference is there between Breen vs Newcomb? I know the Breen is much more than $50 so the Newcomb appeals to me for that reason alone. I can buy a couple of decent large cents for what I'd save.

Ribbit

 

Okay it is a N-19. Took me a while to find that reverse description. Like this coin on heritage. Very interesting variety.

 

I believe Breen is more current and easier to use that the newcomb book - or so I have been told. I have not really looked for the breen book.

 

Kewlie beans!

The one on Heritage is in better condition but the OP coin has more going down on the reverse than the heritage coin so that makes up for it.

Thankies! :hail:

Ribbit

 

I will admit if I lived in the UK I might bid on the coin, but not much more than it is now.

 

My general rule of thumb is, if it doesn't start with "17" and it's copper, I won't usually go anywhere near $100.00. But that's a general rule of thumb. I have been known to break the rules.

Ribbit

 

Yep - do the same thing myself from time to time.

 

I can't believe the price that one went for when this one was available for a much lower price:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380017227665&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:US:1123

The pics are lousy but it's the same coin (look closely on reverse next to the "E" in ONE and the "T" in CENT).

Ribbit

Ps: Like I said, I rarely spend more than a hundred bucks on copper!

Pps: When the coin arrives, I'll post better pics with my new Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7, 8.1 Megapixel, 15x Optical/2x Digital Zoom, Digital Camera that should also arrive shortly.

 

Did you win that second one? You are right it looks like the same coin. If you won that second one that is a good deal in my opinion.

 

I had it pegged a few days ago, when I was still the winning bidder on the OP coin @ 5 pounds but someone decided they wanted "my" coin more than me so I took the other one instead.

I'll post pics the second it arrives so a better comparison can be made. The auction pics are mega lousy and I had to squint really hard to see the marks on the reverse, but it was the lettering on the date that helped to give it away. The two look similar so I spent a little more time looking over the coin than I normally would, but I also knew where to look on the reverse and that helped.

Ribbit

Ps: While the OP coin is worth the winning bid, I got a much better deal with the second coin.

 

You just saved a hundred dollars!

 

Good deal - can wait to see some pictures!!!!

 

Actually, I saved a little over $200.00 when you take shipping into account.

OP Coin = $225.00 + $12.00 shipping = $237.00

2nd Coin = $24.95 + $4.00 shipping = $28.95

Ribbit

Ps: The savings almost equaled what I paid for my new camera, so my new camera is now practically free! Isn't that how coin collectors think? No different than all those "Sales" the wife saves you so much money on! :thumb: