So I happened to bid on these 2 1901s at different LCSs but spaced that I did as one of them is a once a month board and the other once a week. I ended up winning both. The one on the left was labeled MS 63 one on the right "nicks UNC". The one on the right has good luster but damage to the rims and a couple of spots and something on the cheek that is either wear or just discoloration. Which one do you like better and why or maybe neither or both? I am leaning towards the left one but will be giving them both an acetone rinse and into airtites shortly.
There is no doubt the first one. It is a very nice looking AU. Have you checked them for RPD? The second looks to be one.
I prefer the coin on the left (darker one) as it appears to have a little more detail to it. The coin on the right (shinier coin) appears to have some doubling on the reverse in the word ONE CENT.
IMO I wouldn't give the first one an MS grade. It seems a bit dull with a hint of rub at the high points. I would give it an AU 55 grade.
So I am in $25 on the 1st one and $20 on the second...probably right about greysheet or a little better for the 1st one as I know the LCS that one came from uses greysheet extensively. However that is just a guess as I dont have a subscription.
IHC on left definitely shows wear on obverse and reverse, not MS. IHC on right seems to be UNC, but not a very high grade. Either way, good coins and price was right.
Can't seem to find a DDR for 1901; might be die deterioration doubling on the second one's reverse There are 29 RPDs for 1901 still looking at those...
The reverse is Longacre doubling. Very common on IHC's. http://www.numissociety.com/content.php?135-Longacre-Doubling-A-discussion
I like the darker one, the one on the left at AU-58. Nice detail and a hint of the original red. The shiny one is too banged up for me but it would make a nice filler in an album.
