you dont. lol but if you send it to ncs they might be able to do something about that pvc so it gets a real grade. either case as long as thats genuine its a 5K+ coin.
And for some coins ncs might fix it up and send it to NGC. I do not think so in this case, but you will get a details hold with a grade that could help you determine what it might be worth. A damaged one with not as good details as yours I saw go for around $600 once. I can't grade it off the scans you included, but just looking at the bust lines appears to put it in the XF range.
There IS value in authentication alone. With the advent of Chinese fakes, most collectors would prefer some peace of mind. Also, some early date collectors are quite forgiving if a coin has good detail. Investors, not so much. It's better than the Holmes coin for that die state (CUD on Obverse, but not the Reverse.) If it were me, it's off to NCS and then on to NGC.
This is the first I have heard of NCS! I will definitely take that advice. Oh scratch that, not at 4% of the value.
So I just had a long discussion with my dad about the 1804 LC. It has never been in any plastic. When he was 17 (1953), he got it from his dad. It was in a little box with the other 1804, and some 1806 cents I now have. It stayed in that box for about 10 more years until it was put in a type set album, which doesn't contain pvc. So I believe the green tinges on the coin to be natural toning occurring. I do have other coins that are in fact full of pvc damage, and it does look completely different. Does anyone have another reason? Because of this new information, I will send it out for grading. Should it go to NCG or PCGS?
My preference is PCGS. In my opinion PCGS has a little better accuracy of grading on Large Cents versus NGC. BUT either should be acceptable. And yes I do have quite a few NGC graded coins - I just like PCGS better.
A coin worth roughly $5,000 (based on VF20) means $200. If the verdigris is not removed PROPERLY, it will deteriorate and LOSE value. If it hasn't gone too far, it might not be too damaged to get bumped a grade or two which could be worth several thousand (EF40 is $12,000). If they think you undervalued the coin and want 4% of a higher value, then conserving it is worth even more. I use VF20 as a net grade in current condition. XF40 details with verdigris I think should net about VF20 and it keeps the cost down. Remember, it has superior detail. Add another $50 for the service and grading, so your talking about $250 or so to preserve $5-$12 thousand. Trying to conserve it yourself is asking for trouble and great financial loss. But if you would rather trade it for a slabbed 1901-O Gold Eagle in MS61, I'd assume the risk myself.
Point well taken. I will take it to the local coin shop and discuss. I definitely do not want it to get worse.
I'd still send it to NCS. Verdigris is natural when exposed to chemicals often in the air (usually a sulpher based trace element). It doesn't have to be a result of PVC. Green is not good for coins though it is prized on statuary. Since NCS works with NGC, it's got a package that PCGS doesn't have. I sincerely doubt that either would grade it with verdigris from any source and MAY if conserved properly before the damage is irreversible.
Ok, I checked out NCS site, and since I am a member of ANA, I will submit it myself this week. So should I put insurance on it for $12000, just to be sure? Thank you for all of the help and information. I will send it out this week for sure and give an update when I get it back. It will be fantastic news if they can clean it up and stop any more problems, or even get it gradeable!
Take it to the local coin shop and get their opinion on the value. I honestly believe with insurance you would have to prove the worth to the us post office. I am not sure how that works. Personally I would only insure in for 5k. The prices on these things are all over the place.
I agree with the 5K. You might see if a dealer in your area has a deal for private shipping and insurance. The post office insurance is quite high.6+ This is a link to the Holmes Auction Site last year. I believe the S-266b (R5 or about 50 known in this die state) is referring to die state III which yours is since it matches the one below. I think your coin has more detail. Look at the S-266c in MS with some light verdigris and you'll see how forgiving Copper Lovers can be. http://www.icollector.com/1804-S-266b-R5-F15_i8599552 ps I hope you don't mind me manipulating your images for more detail.
Loving these coins guys. Mark_h you have quite the large cent collection. Anyone else have some large collections like that? Colonials, tokens even? Nice to see them all together.