Recently came across this 1838-O dime. This is a fairly scarce, first year of issue for the New Orleans dime with a total reported mintage of just 70000 and an estimated 200 known. Demand for this coin is high. The listing described it a VF+ with an edge nick. Based on the pictures (1st picture attached) I decided to go ahead and buy it. What the postman delivered was a surprise, both negative and positive. First, the negative. The damage was, IMO, more extensive than an edge nick. It is more like a severe edge pinch affecting the planchet on both obverse and reverse, not just the edge. The coin is slightly out of flat as a consequence of this. This explained the reasonable BIN price, the equivalent of (approx.) $238. The positive, and what ultimately convinced me to keep it is the fact the coin is in fact very attractive, with high details and a surprising amount of lustre still present, which my photos (as usual) don't capture. Combine that with the fact it is quite scarce, I think I made a good deal and am very happy to have it. I would be interested in hearing your opinions - What do you all think?
As an h 10 collector the 38 o is just one of <20 dates, mm,variety I still need. Most of the ones Ive come across have been roached out! Hardly recognizable as a 38 o . Yours damaged yes...but beyond the one area not a bad coin. I have already realized that at my age, the availability of certain dates,mm,etc... may not be obtainable. That said I have in some cases accepted what was available, with hope of an up grade later. Its is the only course of action that is available as the clock is running...and times up maybe sooner than later. Now there are other key dates and mm's I also need..yet also at a crossroads...do I buy a 16D mercury that looks like it was a street find in a set of pretty decent coins? I say no! That will be a hole, and filled with another item that looks good in the set...not out of place Eduard I feel your frustration..yet you have a better than average specimen that to my liking is more acceptable than an roached out example of the date and mm.
The coin can be made true in a vise and soft wood blocks. A method ive used on small coins like h-10's and fish scales. It may take several times..but it will true up. to remove the bend.
Here are a few bust h 10's that knowingly purchased damaged for the die marriages. Sometimes one takes what the coin gods give.
At that price, I think you did good. An AU details is still a $1000 coin. I gave $180 for this one, 30 years ago. There was no way I could afford something better. I graded it a 10 or 12 details, with dents but would love opinions.
Nice example Larry. And so correct that it would be unaffordable in todays market. Unless you had unlimited funds. I be happy to give her a home.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you are happy that's all that counts. Thanks for sharing and good luck.
Paddy, I love the '38 O as well and am always on the look out for them. This one is way above average in spite of the damage. A keeper for sure. BTW, your 1838 O is out there as well.
That is a nice example of the '38 O as it is. The obverse is mostly clean and the minor dents restricted to the reverse. I would grade her a little higher, 15 or 20 details would be my estimate.
I really like the surfaces and patina on Eduard's coin, and on such a small item, the rim damage is not that bothersome. Now if it were a seated dollar....!!
We dont live in a perfect world..god only knows.....how boring if eveything the same.... I like the coin very much...each coin has their own story to tell....ours is just a short part of it.
This is my 38-O. Any example is special. One year type for the mint, first year issue, and key date. I hope I am able to upgrade this one eventually.
