This is a half cent I picked up loose and sent to NGC. It straight graded. I had a grade in mind. You guys tell me what you think it graded. On this one I’m going to give a comparison example. The coin on the left is not mine but was graded an EF-45 for comparison. The coin on the right is mine.
Here's a better comparison using PCGS Photograde to narrow it down. In worn condition I think they're easier to grade. PCGS Photograde VG 10 on left PCGS Photograde F12 on left
I'll just go ahead and spoil the party. NGC gave this a VG 10. I thought this was a Fine 12 all day every day when I sent it. I don't know what they didn't like about it. Seemed harsh to me. It seems to have plenty of detail left in the ribbon, the curls by the ear and the shirt.
I feel like you are in between 10 and 12. I would have guessed 10. It would likely get a CAC at this grade. It seems nicely original which is rare for copper.
I'm out of my comfort zone here. Always dreamed of owning a Half, Cent that is. I'll guess F12 or F15 though.
OP's coin is a solid VG-10 by EAC standards which are stricter on sharpness grade than the TPGs. I believe NGC should have graded the coin F-12. I can see no reason for any net-grading of the coin that would reduce it from a F-12 to a VG-10 despite the fact that the rims are lightly struck as are some areas of the reverse legends. Color seems OK as a "steely" assuming the photos are accurate. I see no evidence of porosity. Nor any evidence of cleaning, coin appears original to me. I would call this a B coin, maybe a lower B if we were to split hairs. There's maybe a couple hundred dollars difference between VG-10 and F-12. I can't tell you it's worth a roll of the dice for a resubmission to NGC or to PCGS. But I certainly feel your pain. Another example of the TPG's inability to grade early copper correctly, even by their own standards.
They are better than they used to be. Years ago, when I had the worthwhile coins certified in my collection, everything graded except for the copper. They guys they had at the time could grade Morgan Dollars, but they had no idea what they were doing when it came to early copper. I had one piece that was among the finest known for the die variety. The EAC grade was AU-50. It came back in a body bag. Later I sold it in an EAC Convention auction. It made the front cover. Some time later I saw it in a PCGS holder at a Baltimore show.
Appreciate your critique. I haven’t checked back on this thread. Being the 8/7 variety, according to the price guide it more than doubles in value from the VG to F so it’d be worth having them re-evaluate whenever I send another order in some day. It was more than wishful thinking though. I thought it was a Fine grade when I bought it raw. No higher of course. Getting one that could straight grade was a win in itself I suppose. I got it at a VG price.
