1809 Classic Head Half Cent

In person, it is very hard to see the scratches. You would have to hold it at a certain angle just to see a few of them. The seller must of taken the picture with the flash on.

 

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My 1831 DBH is that way. You can't see the two scratches in hand but take a pic of it and it stands out like a sore thumb. Unfortunately, the scratches are still there and count against the grade. But the most important thing isn't the scratches, it's do you like the coin? Do you have any other ones or is this your first one?

I have many problem coins and I like them, but I would like MS versions more. I go for what I can afford and lower grade coins are within my price range and I enjoy them. I adore my 1795 Capped Half-Cent and you can barely make out the date and if it weren't for the reverse being so visible, I probably wouldn't be able to date it without question.

Simply put, if you can afford filet mignon, eat it but if you're on a PBJ budget, a good hamburger tastes great!

Ribbit

 

I'd say good with damage , corosion .
rzage

 

Well said! I suspect most of us here have "problem coins" in our collection. I for one am glad that such coins exist because if I could only purchase "problem free" specimans then I'm sure I would have a great many more empty holes in my collection. Not only are many coins hard to find problem free but even when they can be located they are often too pricey. Remember, problems are in the eye of the beholder. What may look unattractive, and unsuitable for one person's collection might look pretty nice to another collector. I have several slabbed coins in my collection that ANACS denoted as either scratched or corroded and, in my opinion, the scratches and corrosion on them is so minor that I'm somewhat surprised it was worth mentioning on the slab.

 

Yes, and I am very happy with the coin I have, and it would be my first Classic Head Half Cent.

 

BTW - we've been so busy talking grade, what about variety? After careful scrutiny, I believe it's a Cohen 5 but I've been "worng" before. But I am much more knowledgeable about "dim dings" now, thanks to one of our wonderful members.

Ribbit

 

It is possible to be a Cohen 3, but a Cohen 5 looks more accurate.

 

I'll be kind and give it a FR2 net grade.

Details or not, that coin has taken some SERIOUS abuse.

cembo

 

I agree toad - very well put. And if you get a collection as famous as jules reiver - NGC will put it in NGC holder. Even his collection as nice as it was had some problem coins.

 

Yep. Almost have to with these early coppers. Even the Ellsworth Collection of Half Cents has some "problem" coins.

 

I see the coin as a G-4. Net PO-1.
Let's be honest folks, this is a real problem coin.

 

Yeah - but even problem coins need a good home.

 

I must disagree but I will disagree with pics. Here's my 1809 Classic Head Half-Cent.

Ribbit

 

a negative P-1

 

I believe mine would qualify for a PO-1 before Ryan's would. Since my understanding of a PO-1 is you have to be able to know what it is and be able to tell the date, then I believe mine would qualify as a PO-1 since I can do both with mine. With Ryan's, while the scratches are bad, there's a lot of detail still visible, therefore it does not qualify for a PO-1 in my book. :thumb:

Ribbit

Ps: A PO-1 Corroded.

 

Don't get my bladder going.

Ribbit

 

VG details, scratched and corroded, net PO.

 

What's this ??!?!? Why, I do believe I see some Longacre doubling on the words "HALF CENT" !

You don't see that every day. I think ya got a real find there....

 

Be nice, 900.

Our friendly and hansome Toad is just a little hard headed and a touch argumentative. Kinda like someone else I know.

 

Mine or Ryan's?

Ribbit