My most exciting buy in 3 years (old copper)

I was actually contemplating a very sharp looking seated liberty half dollar that has been sought after for months, but the price was just too much. Then I ran into this interesting piece and just fell in love. I know it doesn't look like much, but it seems so real to me. This is a 1795 Flowing Hair Large Cent. The condition is rough, but the history is so real. Look at the colors, the dings, the chipped copper. It just had that authentic look to me. Like it has been in paul reveres pocket, marched into the battle of 1812, who knows. A real circulated late 1700's American Copper. Man I know I overpaid acording to greysheet, but didn't need to look on this one. Please thoughts/opinions please?

 

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Sweet coin, it really shows what it's been through over the centuries. I'm still hoping to purchase a coin that is over 200 years old. So far my oldest is an 1850 large penny.

How much did you pay for it anyway?

Also, can you tell if it's a lettered edge or a plain edge, or is it too worn?

 

I paid 300 for it, which is kind of steep for me these days. It is a plain edge.

 

I absolutely love anything from 1793-1799, especially copper. If only we knew the history behind each piece. I think you did great!!

 

Early copper is as cool as it comes. That one sure has been to battle!

Don't be offended but if I were you I'd return it. $300 is way to much. Maybe 10x too much, IMO. Not sure if you can see the Heritage prices on the links Doug provided but those examples run from $149 to $253.
Lance.

 

Not a bad piece. Of course, dealers will pay the $100 price we see on Heritage and then sell it at $300, which accounts for the difference, so I'd suggest looking on Heritage or coppercoins.com for future purchases.
Guy

 

Man. took a huge hit on the money end, but I really wanted this one.

 

I liked the Last one doug, but this one I like better than all 3 of those. I'm sure I got hammered on the price though.

Man I understand what you all are saying, but I could not judge this coin by grade, or greysheet value. I wanted one in this exact kind of shape, you know what I mean?

 

If you like it then you did good, regardless of what greysheet or anyone says. We've ALL paid higher prices than we had to for coins we really wanted, every one of us.
Guy

 

Gotta love copper coins that start with a 17!

FWIW, I think $300 is a touch steep as I value that coin about $200 -- and I much prefer it to the recolored and TPG slabbed examples GDJMSP posted -- and if you like the coin, who am I (or anyone else) to question your purchase?

I say enjoy the coin. Just go into it knowing you'll have a tough time getting all your money back if/when it comes time to sell (which is true for most all coins).

 

I's a tough decision when it's calling your name. I personally would have passed on it and not bought it. But sometimes we buy things because we have to have them, not because it makes sence. Put it in an airtite, frame it and hang it on the wall. Look at it everyday because it's "Your" coin. Keep it forever.

 

Yeah, enjoy the coin! Sometimes we need to splurge for the things we want. Heck, I wanted a Corvette since I turned 16, and I finally "splurged" right after I divorced my first wife back in 1999. That set me back a lot more than $300, and I enjoyed driving that car for 10 years.

You get to keep your coin as long as you want, and it won't cost you anything for upkeep!

Robert

 

I understand what you are saying, JCB, and in my opinion that is the best reason to collect coins: their HISTORY and the bridge they provide to the past. You like your coin for what it is, and that is good. Sure, you know you paid too much (your coin is a Sheldon S-76b variety by the way, the commonest 1975 type), but the overall amount involved is still modest/reasonable (a lot of us have made quite expensive and regrettable coin buying mistakes!). This is not the case with you, in this case.

 

JCB, you like the Coin right? That's what matters. It is an artifact of our history. Glad it's in the hands of someone who will appreciate it!

 

Agree with CRHnut!

 

Love those old coppers. Did not see anyone mention the attribution so if you are curious it's a 76b.

 

Thanks for the positive feedback. How do you attribute this to a 76b? Is it because of the plain edges?

 

We've all made mistakes with overpaying. I'm still doing it, but hopefully not to the extent I did in my early years of collecting. Overpaying by $100 is a good lesson, but thankfully not an expensive one.

 

I agree with leadfoot on the price. These coins are great - yours probably have move details than mine. I like a solid planchet versus details.