Hello. I recently purchased an 1857 flying eagle cent. Going from the Whitman Red Book standards, I would grade this coin at very good. But, at some point in time, someone scratched their initials onto the eagle. They are not very deep and you cannot see them unless you are looking closely, but no doubt about it, they are there. I did not pay a lot for this coin and I would like to know how much this takes off the value of the coin. Is it just a few dollars or is this coin now worthless? THANKS
I'm afraid it's pretty much worthless from a numismatic point of view. The coin would be considered damaged - and given the poor condition not many collectors would be interested.
