Hi, Here are pictures of my 1843 One Cent, with "mature head" that I don't know how to grade. Some thoughts... 1) To me, it seems to border on VF-35 to EF-40. If it's really EF-40, then the value jumps significantly. 2) I can't tell if this would straight grade or not.... a) I have seen slabbed, straight graded (PCGS, NGC) examples of this coin that are much darker in color, but also about this shade too b) I have seen slabbed, straight graded (PCGS, NGC) examples of this coin that seem to have some "gunk" in the crevices of the lettering, date and image, like mine and those without the "gunk" c) I don't see any hint of light scratches that would suggest cleaning What do you think? Thanks!!!
I’ve never heard of the “Mature Head” for this date. I’ve always know it to be called the “Braided Hair” type which was from 1839-1857. The Mature Head is just a variety of this date and this is that variety. Your coin appears to have been minted from a batch of an improper metal mixing. That’s why it has those dark lines. As for the grade, I’d place this as a F-12, F-15 at best. Just too much wear to be any higher. A VF-35-40 would be much sharper in the details.
