Hello everyone. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to help me grade this penny. My great grandfather, and grandfather were avid collectors, and I have been given the task to see exactly what they found. I would love to send it off to NGC or PCGS, however I doubt the nice red color of the coin would remain if I removed it from its' sealed hard plastic case for long. Let me know what you think, and thank you! (most of the scratches you may notice are actually on the holder) -JP (larger image links) http://www.jp1021.com/coins/1955WPDDObv.jpg http://www.jp1021.com/coins/1955WPDDREv.jpg
I'm suspicious that this is a fake. These were heavily counterfeited and to me the surfaces just don't look right. Also the devices have a mushy appearance. I would take it to a local coin shop or two if you have one and get their opinion on it. Absent that, it should be sent in, just to have it authenticated. BTW, being out of the holder it's in for a short time won't affect it's patina.
The surfaces look a little off, but other than that the coin looks authentic ( as much as a photo under scratchy plastic) can show. JP, look for the die scratch under the left arm of the "T" in CENT, about 1/5 or 1/6 from the vertical leg. It should cross another one lower and make a faint "X". Welcome to the forum! Jim
My feeling is that it is a fake as well... something just looks off about it... they usually have more luster than that in such high condition, that looks more like a modern low-relief cent... the '55's had decent relief to them.
Honestly, no it's not for sale (not ebay or anywhere). If I were to sell it I'd sell it to a reputable dealer here in town. About being a fake, that wouldn't surprise me. We found a really nice 1921 D mercury dime that was definitely a fake (the sad part was the price was still written on its holder for $550 back in the 80s). It may look strange due to the thick holder it's in, or possibly my flatbed scanner. Here's another pic of the luster if it helps.
Looks much better there... if that's real, it's gotta be a 63 RD, at minimum. Fantastic coin, get it slabbed ASAP. Numismedia lists a 63RD at $7,250...
And selling to a local dealer might get you as much as half that. Get it graded and slabbed and consign to Heritage or another high end auction house. This is assuming it's real, of course.
Thank you! I will definitely take the recommendations suggested here. I'll get it off to NGC tomorrow. I've come across a few more interesting coins, would it be acceptable to keep posting here and asking in new threads? -JP
Very nice coin, first pics were questionable but the new ones definitely look more authentic. Good luck in your hunting and welcome to Cointalk! J
I'll be sure to let you know! One more question I have is when I submit it to NGC do I use the mint error option?
I think you use the die variation option. Also, I recommend sending it to PCGS to get top dollar for your coin. NGC just doesn't match up to PCGS for some reason (at the moment, that is)
Major errors (IE; the 55 DDO) are usually attributed for free... call customer service and double check.