I'm new to "serious" coin collecting and have no experience grading coins. I've been doing an inventory of my father's collection which consists mainly of well used coins. But I came across an 1856 Large Cent that is quite nice. Using the 2010 Red Book's criteria and looking at the examples on the Photograde iPhone app, I'm thinking this coin would grade as AU. I'd appreciate the opions of more experienced and knowledgable eyes. Thanks!
I like this coin. Nice color. I agree with the XF graders; there's just a bit too much wear in the forehead curls for AU. Same with the curls above the truncations and the highest leaves. May I recommend Whitman's "ANA Grading Standards for US Coins" ? Wonderful book.