Hi there. On my nightly scavenger hunt for fleabay cherry picks. Here is a capped bust half that I think is a R4 o-109 variety. Die crack through center branch connecting two leaves seems clear. Would love some confirmation or other input. I started at maibockaddict's site but then proceeded to a heritage auction example that didn't look even close. Thanks!
OK.....I just ran and got my 'Overton' but I'm not very good at attribution, but I will give it the old college try. There are some rather capable and accurate folks (off the top of my head) who do know their stuff regarding these...... @Treashunt @Jim M @okbustchaser
The readiness and willingness to help of the CoinTalk forum never ceases to amaze me. You guys are the best.
Upon referencing my Overton I think you may be correct in your assessment. But let's see what the other guys think. Nice piece. Congrats on the pickup.....
Well, unfortunately it wasnt mine yet and was snipe-bid away from me ($101.01) at the last instant. Oh well, on to the next one!
I agree that it is an O-109a. Oh, man, that guy got a great price on an attractive, original, R4 variety. Sucks to get snipe-bid..... I also hate to mention this, but.... posting about things like this *before* you buy it lets people know that there is a potential great deal for them to steal. I don't think most of the regular posters would do this, but there are quite a few lurkers. This sort of question, to confirm a variety or grade before buying, is best sent via direct message to a couple people you trust so that you don't loose the deal.
Yeah, I figured there was the potential for opening the item up to other bidders by posting to the forum, but there was so little time left in the bidding, and not knowing who the experts are, I went ahead and did it. I'm sure there will be more cherries to pick down the road and now I know who to message directly.
Late to the party... next time if you see an R4 or higher and it appears to be a good deal, just pull the trigger and ask questions later ;-)
How much premium does an R4 add? Is there a general formula: i.e. r4 = 2x book value r5=3x book value, etc?
It's not a truly linear scale. For example, the 109a would usually garner about a 1.5X premium in F to VF like the OP. At the same time a 106--also an R-4+ coin--would usually bring about 2x in like grade while the R-5 VF 104 would carry a 3.5 to 4x premium. In higher grades the premiums can run even higher. In AU the 109a can easily reach 5 to 6X. For other dates the premiums are also different. I will say that overall the premiums over base levels are shrinking. When I first started collecting by DM back in the late 1970s R-4 coins easily brought 4 to 5X while R-5 examples started at about 8X and went up from there. (Of course, base values were much lower as well)
I think the widespread availability of the internet has made selling rarities easier, and so premiums have dropped.
