This is the JR-5 variety with the words in 'States of America' cut so close on the reverse die that it appears as one word. A red book variety. I would very much welcome your opinion on how this coin grades. I hope the pictures are good enough to allow an opinion. Thanks as usual, Eduard
To me that puppy is XF40 with an old light cleaning starting to retone. Off to Heritage I go to compare my grade to graded examples.
much nicer than the 1831 I picked up at my favorite dealers the other day, I love the capped bust series, I would agree with some others that it is a strong 35, I just love how big that eagles talons are compared to its body, it sort of reminds me of little puppies that have big feet they have to grow into. According to my 1965 blue book that would be a vf and would run you about 16.50. the 65 redbook, (retail) has a vf listed depending on wether it is small date or large date between 35 and 40.
Question - are you saying that because of a possible weak strike? To me the obverse and reverse both look well struck, with just wear. I think the reverse grades higher than the obverse, but to me it looks like wear and not a weak strike. Just trying to figure out the grading difference. Thanks
Thank you all for your comments. Mark's comment is interesting. His assessment is in agreement with Stacks grading of this coin 22 years ago. This is how they graded it: "About Uncirculated with a weak strike at the cap and corresponding area on the reverse". (funny I still remember this after 22 years, but I cannot remember what my wife said 10 minutes ago). Unfortunately the pictures are not that good, but the best I can manage with my camera. (the pics blur out the details - particularly in the bottom half of the coin as I tend to take photos at an angle for better lighting). Regards, Eduard
In reply to the above and the question posed to me by the other Mark - I think you're being way too tough on the coin. That type/date doesn't usually come fully struck and the coin in question looks virtually unc. on the reverse. No way should it grade less than AU.
Far be it for me to disagree with the experts, but I see too much wear for AU and too weak a strike for VF. That leaves XF-45.
Except for one thing - luster. Look at the coin again and the areas I have circled. You can plainly see that there are enough areas where the luster has worn off, even in the fields. Yeah, weakly struck coins won't show luster either, but they will have luster in the fields even at high VF and definitely in XF. So with that much luster worn off, even in the fields I;m not buying the excuse for this one that it is a weak strike. That's just plain old fashioned wear. And yes, I am well aware that the TPG's use the same excuse. That doesn't make it right however.
I too think the coin is solid for AU, at least from a TPG standpoint. There is just too much luster remaining for it to go lower than AU. I'd say 53.
I didn't want to say anything until I whupped out my ANA Grading Standards. I would grade it XF45 obverse, AU50 reverse. That said, it's sometimes tough to discern weak strike from wear.
I agree. I think a split grade is applicable here. The coin probably took a dip sometime, but otherwise appears very original. Another nice one from Eduard!
