I tend to watch auctions for coins I already own, just to see what they sell for. One of these is mine, the other is in a current auction. Both PCGS. I thought comparing the two might be interesting for the forum members. What grade(s) do you think they are?
I'm going to guess the both graded F-12. The top coin looks like it has slightly more detail, but it also has an old cleaning which I think brought the grade down a point.
I voted for the bottom coin. The top coins reverse looks cleaned to me. I also just generally prefer the look of the bottom coin.
Thanks for all the guesses! So far some of you are close but I think you'll be surprised. I'll wait until later today Thailand time to reveal.
I would say the first coin is F-15 and second is F-12. I don't think either coins is cleaned - but no expert on these. I think overall the first coin just shows a little more detail than the second coin - but not by much in my opinion.
Top coin (being auctioned) is PCGS VF25. Bottom coin (purchased Nov 2023) is PCGS VG10. So PCGS thought there was a 15 point difference between the two. @ksmooter61 was the grader for the first one and @johnmilton was closest on the second. I paid $245 all in for mine on ebay. I recall it was a real auction and feeling that I overpaid a bit. The top coin is currently $404 with BP and we'll see what it hammers for in about 20 hours. I like mine better.
Top coin sold for $464. PCGS price guide in VF25 $525, NGC "VF" $445. (I've always wondered why NGC price guide doesn't break out the lower grades - often a big value difference between VF20 and VF35.) I wonder if mine (bottom) would get a CAC bean, not that I would bother. Only one person said it was lower than F12.
I like your coin better. It may be the pictures, but the obverse of the top coin looks 'mushy'. Yours has a little less detail, but, is much more attractive with nice tone and an attractive cameo effect. Price-wise, I think you did better in comparison. I have a 1901-S too which I will post soon.
