I don't know the first thing about this series but I just can't imagine this is what a near 200 copper coin should look like. I say VF Details: Cleaned/Damaged/Environmental Damage
I'd say VF. As to whether the coin was cleaned or if the picture has just been photoshoped to look brighter, I don't know.
Ah, I see. Well, I'd have to say, with that amount of wear, and it being the color it is, that it has been cleaned. Not an uncommon occurrence by any means. I'll go with VF details. It is still a very nice coin. =)
The coin appears to have an old cleaning, after which it retoned, but that doesn't bother me in the least. There's an entire universe of beautiful large cents that were once cleaned, and the negative connotation of a "details" grade is just as unfair to these coins as it would be for ancients, where EVERY coin deserves a "details" grade. This is one of those cases where I really don't care what NGC thinks about the coin, other than the fact that it's authentic. Strong devices, lovely color, minimal hits - it's a winner all around.
I like the coin and agree with John Anthony. VF Details - could be cleaning, envrionmental damage, or damage.
I will be posting the NGC results tonight In the meantime here another (hopefully) better photo. It is an axial lighting shot. The mottled reverse of this 1836 certainly shows some signs of junk having been removed. The obverse on the other hand in showing a whole bunch of original uncleaned surfaces. (I think my previous photos have been showing too much orange.) As I am looking in the new EAC Grading Guide I would say the color is between Reddish Steel & Light Brown. The reverse shows some of the same but where (a long time ago) stuff was removed you see darker colors. BTW, I agree with John Anthony. Old Coppers and Ancients are there own breed.
