Learning to grade, still need help

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by sonlarson, Jan 8, 2009.

  1. sonlarson

    sonlarson World Silver Collector

    2009 is my year to work on a U.S type set. I have always wanted a Flying Eagle Cent and bought one yesterday. The dealer had graded as VF and I have no problems with that since I paid based on that grading. Using my copy of Photograde(TM) I think it might be somewhere between VF and XF. What are your opinions? Ignore the specks of dust. I didn't brush off until after photo.
     

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  3. jazzcoins

    jazzcoins New Member

    I would say that's a AU 50 to about a 55 looks like you still have mint luster nice coin

    Jazz
     
  4. coinblogger

    coinblogger Senior Member

    Hey jazzcoins,

    How can you tell that there is still mint luster?

    And, that is a nice coin!!
     
  5. jazzcoins

    jazzcoins New Member

    Well you still have some nice detail in the wing area but the breast area is kind of worn. The reverse shows some mint luster left from your pics that's how i;m judging it by ,there still is some copper present it's not a dark colour on the fields of the coin, now remember this is by your pics.I did look your coin over better. I think it's more in the EF 45 to AU 50 range now that im have really looked closer to it
    Jazz
     
  6. borgovan

    borgovan Supporter**

    It's a solid VF.

    The only thing that concerns me is what looks like might be some damage either to the rim, or the surface close to the rim. I'm looking on the obverse just below and to the left of the date. If it's just a speck of dust, then I think you're good to go!
     
  7. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    I don't think that coin has any luster whatsoever. It appears as if it has been dipped to death. Yes, the details would seem to indicate that it shoud grade higher, but because it has been over-dipped the grade would drop. I would say that the dealer net graded it correctly.
     
  8. mrbrklyn

    mrbrklyn New Member

    I think that coin was cleaned but I would definetely collect. I have different standards for these coins becuase of the age an uniqueness of these in coin collecting history.

    Ruben
     
  9. coinblogger

    coinblogger Senior Member

    Can you guys describe mint luster? What exactly does it look like?
     
  10. jazzcoins

    jazzcoins New Member



    Mint luster Is the glossy sheen reflected from the sufrace of a coin resulting from the flow of metal caused by the striking dies. At the time of minting,the luster is at it's strongest,but may fade over time,become discolored,or spotted.Also known simply as luster ,which your coin has.


    Jazzcoins Joe
     
  11. sonlarson

    sonlarson World Silver Collector

    Bingo. I knew it had a spot, which I assumed was just dirt or a carbon spot. I wansn't concerned since this was for my type collection and I got it at a fair price. I took another photo under magnification to show what appears to be either mint damage or post mint damage, Still happy with the coin. I would not be at all suprised if it had been cleaned some time in it's past. 151 years is a long time. Thanks for all your resonses. Leson learned is to look more closley before buying and don't let emotions carry you away.
     

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