Hi all, I recently posted a couple of large cents on the error forum and got some interesting info on the varieties of these coins from Marshall. I believe he said they were both N-2 with reverse B. Does anyone want to take a guess as to their grades and possible values? Any info you can provide is greatly appreciated. Take care, Scott. P.s. Here is a link to the thread on the error forum. http://www.cointalk.com/t101422/
After looking at the 1816 coin and comparing it to other coins,and also comparing it to my own personal detecting finds,along with some knowledge on antiquities and aging.I would say that in the present condition. I would net grade this coin to s VF35,and here is why.although the coin had a good strike,and did not suffer a high amount of circulation,as is noticeable by the wear,or the lack of it.ultimately it is a "dig" find,and chances are it sat in the dirt for many many years.maybe even 100+.the fact that is was underground,the dirt over time & the natural deposits,ate at the coin and reduced it total overall "mass",it did this very slowly and also it did it at an even pace.which has left it with a overall pleasant appearance, the dirt preserved the details very well,but by reducing the mass of the coin at a slow pace,that is why I would say it looks in the XF area but I would net grade it to a VF35 from the reduction,and the active corrosion on it.If it had been buried in sand,like a desert,it would have preserved,without losing as much "mass".but the majority of the U.S. has very rich deposits in dirt.If you compare to coins problem free coins of the same year,you will notice a "thicker" appearance.I hope this helps,and would love to hear others opinions.taking in the fact we do know a small amount of history behind the coin.Very nice find. the 1817 I would say around 25+ with the deeper corrosion on the reverse
Just for fun, here are pics of the coins as they looked coming out of the ground as well as a pic of the cellar hole they were found at. All the coins and buttons from this foundation dated the roughly the same time or before, though I did find one coin spill with a seated dime and a couple of indian head cents. I also found an 1802 1/2 reale at this location. Take care, Scott.
My thoughts precisely. This illustrates that cleaning a coin is not bad, per se. Improperly cleaning a coin is bad. Obviously, far better to do the proper cleaning on these than leave them as is. Care to describe your techniques ?
I wouldnt specifically call this "cleaning" more like "preservation" Now other generations can enjoy it
Great clean-up job. I've never seen a transformation that drastic. How did you do it? I have a couple copper coins in slightly better shape than your "before" pictures, it makes me wonder what your techniques may be able to do for them...
Now I need to buy a metal detector. I live in a house that's about 115 years old, so you've got me all curious as to what could be buried around the yard. I will also second what was posted above. Can you give some details about your... ah, "restoration" techniques?
Thanks for the compliments everyone. My method of cleaning took alot of trial and error. I wish they all came out this good but they rarely do. It all depends on what the environmental damage has been done before I dig it up. First off, I never rinse my coppers under water. They never seen to respond kindly to it, often times the outer surface is no longer there and the coins are very porous. I see lots of porous LC's like this on ebay. I let the coin dry out, which they are usually dry by the time I get them home. I then carefully take a toothpick and try and lift the dirt upward off the coin. I will slowly work around the lettering and other features, trying to do as little scratching as possible. Once I'm sure I can't get it any cleaner with the toothpick, I take q-tips and vaseline and work in small areas, which lift smaller dirt deposits off the coin and onto the q-tip. Once I have the coin as clean as I think I can get it I take a soft cloth and wipe away all the vaseline that I can. That's pretty much it. Maybe in a bit I'll post some of my other large cents on this thread, showing the different results I've had. Take care, Scott.
