I received a few coins in the mail today and thought I'd share and get some outside opinions on grade as well. Here is the 1859 that came in the mail. The strike is good overall but you can tell the die was pretty deteriorated by looking at the denticles and ES in STATES on the obverse. On the reverse the ribbons at the bottom of the wreath are weak, the leaves around the wreath, and again the denticles. It still shows some mint luster under the toning when looking at it in hand.
It's a crusty one, but I like the strike on it. The hair curls adjacent to the ribbon are very well-defined. I don't know, maybe tops out at middle AU? We have two, but not anywhere near this grade.
Yeah, but I think Frank and I are seeing a little more, razor. It's a little "crusty," like I said. I have one just like that. The surface is just sort of lying there, buzzed out. It would be interesting to see if the TPGs give these grades. We're just telling you what we see.
Definitely, and I agree with you both. I'm in this one for a good price, so it will sit in my collection until a good deal on an upgrade comes along. I always appreciate the feedback.
I love it. I love the one of mine that has that look, too. It's been places, and it developed a tough hide for it. If it could talk, it could tell you some stories.