I found an 1802 large cent at a coin store today. Upon researching the coin, I discovered that there are 20 or so different 'types'. Where would I find a guide to differentiating the variations? Coinfacts had them all listed - but there were no pictures or descriptions that I could find. I'm attempting to get back into collecting - trying to learn everything I can. Any and all input/knowledge would be appreciated.
I know the copper heads will chime in and ask for a picture. Though I do believe the reference you need is Penny Whimsy by Sheldon http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?an=Sheldon&sts=t&tn=penny+whimsy&x=77&y=15 or http://coins.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p0.m570.l1313&_nkw=penny+whimsy&_sacat=11116
Be careful though. The Chinese counterfeits of classic coins are getting more and more realistic everyday. Edit: I just noticed you said 'coin' store in your post. That makes it less likely to be counterfeit by far. Not that you shouldn't be on gaurd at all times though. Definately be cautious online, flea markets, and antique malls.
Post a pic Iskae. There are a number of expert copper guys on the forum who would be glad to help you. Bruce
1802 happens to be the only year where I completed the set (except for NC-1 and NC-2). The twelve reverses are quite easy to distinguish. The obverses are a little more of a challenge. Here is a link to my set if you can't find a way to post the pictures. http://www.cointalk.com/t118077/
I'm sure I will post a pic if I decide to think about buying it. Thank you all for the help - I may have to pick up a copy of that book. There's just something amazingly beautiful about old copper coins.
Penny Whimsy by Sheldon is a great book, lots of history as well as the original source for the 70 point grading system. And best of all you can pick them up used on the bay for around $15 if your patient. Marshall's link to his coins are great, you can also check out this page with some descriptions about the attributions http://www.largecents.net/collection/1802drbust.html, Tom's 1802 is complete as well.
The Sheldon book is very good, but if you decide to buy a copy DO NOT buy the 1990 edition (either first or second printing) The plates in it are HORRIBLE. Many of the coins are just black circles. Many people prefer the 1976 edition but my personal preference is for either the 1958 or the 1965 edition. (Yes I'm a nut case I have ALL of the editions, including the original work Early American Cents from 1949.) A second very good book, but a little more expensive, is Walter Breen's Encyclopedia of Early United States Cents 1793 - 1814.
From looking at the pictures posted it appears that VG-F seems to be pretty standard grades for these early cents. Going to go back and look at the cent sometime in the next week and see if he will let me take pictures of it for me to post/look at.
I'd probably get a copy of Noyes if I didn't have to buy it as a set with the middle date book. I tend to prefer Wright's The Cent Book for the middle dates over the Noyes Middle date book, but I haven't been able to run across just the single volume of the Noyes early date book.
I too prefer Wright's The Cent Book for middle dates. I have a copy which might be unique or nearly so. It is signed by both John AND Mabel and dated 5/22/95 on the occasion of them taking in a fellow copperhead for an evening of fellowship and copper talk.
I am so lost on this particular coin, and really bad in forums. Would you possibly consider an email? Afraid I won't find this thread again.. kziniel@gmail.com
Email sent, and I would not advise putting your email in posts. There are crawler bots that look to harvest email addresses for spam and phishing attacks.
Thanks for the memories. That set was sold off when I started having problems with my vision. Now I'm working on a new set using a big screen TV for a moniter.
Since I'm leaning more and more to EAC and hence large cents I bought the Noyes set. But at my age (80) who knows, they may become available for resale before too long Keep your eyes open
