If you do take this route, I hope whatever "expert" you speak to is much more knowledgeable than this Robert fellow and his shameful "professional" advice; I would hate to see you buried in submission fees over his highly questionable judgment. Unless you want or continue to believe this a discovery piece, you may wish to consider spending $5 to order Mr. Snow's 1858 attribution guide instead of running around showing the coin to different dealers who may, or may not know what they're talking about. http://indiancent.com/4435-1858-attribution-guide-online-edition-2011.html Again, good luck to you.
Most of the time at these coin shows they have reputable coin graders right from reputable grading companies. I should be able to locate them and get a good answer dont you think.
I am not familiar with this one in Fredericksburg, but a quick search shows only ANACS attending, and they’re only accepting submissions, which would be a waste of your time and money.
I can see the image you are referring to, and its resemblance to a '7', not exactly like a 7 on a FE, but close. However, remember the date was punched by a 4 numeral gang punch, and your '7' is at such an angle that it is probable that some of the '185' would also be visible someplace along the date angle, and I see none. It is possible he punch was done at a sharp angle, but the 'possible 7' shows a relatively flat bar, not badly angled. This would lead me to think it is not a real '7'.
Typically at the shows you will be speaking with the clerical staff NOT the graders. Even if they do have some of the graders there, most of them are GRADERS not variety specialists. And even if they are variety people they may not be experts in the series you need. So the chance of getting a good answer at the TPG tables may not be as good as getting a good answer here. Now if was submitted at the show with a variety attribution request so they could take it back to the offices where their references are and they could have the time to study it and maybe send it out to a couple expert consultants, then you might get a good answer. Or you may just get back "This isn't a variety we recognize for slabbing."
Thank you everyone for responding. I know the chances are slime to none that I have anything at all but I am new to this and I am trying to research everything. I may not find an expert at this coin convention. But I am only an hour away and I should be able to learn a lot. For the person who suggested the coin book thanks I am going to get one. Thanks again everyone if you have any more to add please do.
I see die deterioration...but wouldn't it be best to start a new thread if you are posting a new coin? That way this thread is limited to info regarding the coin originally posted.
anacs.com Go to the show for the experience, and have a good time without focusing only on this coin. The Fredericksburg area oozes history, so if I were you, I would probably make a few quick rounds before heading off to more interesting places, and, of course, pay my respects to the left arm of Jackson, but to each his own.
okay: 1) I checked Cherrypicker's Guide, and there are #2 8/7's listed. Both are Large FS-01-1858-301 and FS-01-1858-302. 2) There is no Larry Longberger listed as a contributor, but I am.
I have to agree. But, hey, good luck, even tho if it is a 7 it would be at a totally wrong angle for the original date.
I lost track. I thought the OP was taking it to a show last weekend. We still need an expert to join in.