In my opinion, it is definitely better than VG8. I'd peg it at a high F12. With the bump that old big silver gets from the TPGs, I would hazard to guess that it might even go VF20 on a good day? ANA guidelines for VG8: Obverse: Entire head is weak, and most hair details and drapery are worn smooth. Date and LIBERTY are weak but visible. Parts of the eye and eyebrow are visible. Stars are outlined, with some tips worn flat. Reverse: Eagle is boldly outlined with only a few details showing in wings. Clouds, head, and top of shield are smooth. Some letters in legend are very weak; parts of motto are missing. Edit: I defer to the experts. I'm too high.
I think it’s vg 10. O-109 probably the most common variety for the year. I’ve had a bunch of them. But I like the original unmolested surfaces and honest wear
O-109s don't have the stem through the claw. It's actually 115--another common DM for the year although the prime state with no obverse die cracks is much less common than the later stages. I don't think it makes Fine and like it as a VG-08 to 10.
My bad. You’re absolutely right. Sorry I was tired and confused the 2. I think almost every 1806 I’ve had was either 109 or 115
The obverse looks like the definition of VG. The reverse looks nicer, but you have to grade by the obverse. Nice coin.
Slack: Thank you! My DOH moment... Actually, based on the photo, it looks to be correctly graded, BUT it’s an extremely nice example for grade, the sort of case that calls for a CAC Green Bean (or maybe an acknowledgement of same by gracing it with a VG10.)
Some aspects of the design look better than VG-8, but the face and hair are really flat. Most of the grading is based on the obverse, and the key areas there do not support a higher grade. It goes with the nature of these early coins. Odd strikes, uneven dies and mounting in the coin press, combined with a lack of protective rims for the design end up with odd, uneven wear.