I found these on a coin shops website. I went ahead and bought them as there is a no questions asked return policy. Paid about $525 per coin after shipping fees. 1871 Bold N reverse 1871 Shallow N reverse The top coin looks much better than the stated grade of AU55, and the bottom coin might be cleaned, its hard to tell from his pics. The "shallow N" variety is extremely rare and typically get at least a 2x premium over the bold N counterpart. The shallow N was common on proof strikes in 1871. This dealer graded the coin MS-61, I would assume due to the mark on the chin. Anyone here think the 2nd coin pictured is possibly a proof? If it is either a proof or has been harshly cleaned, it will most likely be sent back for a refund. Ive been trying to cherry-pick an MS shallow N for years now, with no luck. Best I have been able to pick was a solid Fine and a few VF/XF detailed coins.
I will have to wait until tomorrow to find out. I will get some better pics up for assessment when the coins are in hand. The pictures are grainy, so it was tough to tell. Like I said though, if harshly cleaned, its going right back in the mail.
