I'm looking at an 1868 shield nickel that is for sale - does the date look re-punched? I tried identifying the variety, closest I came to was possibly S5-3009 from Spindel. The repunch is noticeable at 18, it looks like there is evidence of repunching at the 9 but the die crack helps hide it. This piece has quite a few die cracks but if it's a real RPD then I wouldn't mind scooping it up. The reverse is also interesting, appears to be a few areas where it was struck through grease.
Thanks, I am eagerly awaiting. Hopefully it's possible to attribute the variety. Seller is currently asking $109 and I think that's way off, especially given the coin's grade.
Yes looks like a RPD. I don't see any evidence of a grese strike through on the reverse, but I do see at least six hub breaks. Serif of E1, top of D, top of S1, top of R, left side of A3, and bottom of S3.
Incorrect terminology on my part, the hub breaks are what I was referring to as grease filled. Thank you for the correction. Given the RPM, hub breaks, and die cracks what do you feel is a fair price for this?
Definitely not S5-3009. S5-3009 has die cracks that are mutually incompatible with the coin in question. Just examine the cracks around the date. I do not see a match in SNV. So either this is a new RPD, or not an RPD at all. I lean toward no RPD, but the purported RPD is so minor I'd have to see it in person to confirm it. Die cracks and hub breaks do not add to the value of the coin. The RPD is so minor that it won't add to the value of the coin much if anything. I'd price this by grading it and looking up the price of a non-variety 1869 in the guidebook of your choice.
I didn't see a match in SNV, I just mentioned the S5-3009 because what I thought was a RPD looked similar to that variety. It would be much easier to discern in hand, I'm debating whether or not to risk the purchase. Even if it was a new RPD would there be much of a premium since it would be minor? Looking at the PCGS app quickly (it's my go-to when I don't have a redbook) the coin should go for around $40 as an unattributed variety. I already cherry picked two (2) 1869 narrow dates so I don't exactly need another shield nickel, but there's just something about this one. Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated!
A very nice specimen not seeing a $109.00 coin, I've picked up several over the years as nice xf-au grades for half of the seller asking price. As for the specimen being an rpd it maybe ,but again I agree with the others an in hand exam would tell , I can't judge from the images provided . These were struck in nickel die only lasted 10 k strikes each before they were done. Thus the die cracks on this coin. I believe that the seller thinks he has a rpm in xf+ shape as well the die cracks being a huge selling point. As a shield collector this coin would interest me but again in the $45-60 range and only higher if examined in hand to determine if in fact a rpd. There are quite a few 1868 and 69 variety coins . A careful buyer at a show could pick up two for the asking price of this coin. Perhaps a variety as many dealers aren't up on the shield varieties as most are sold to type set collectors, wanting to fill a hole in their 7070 set.
Yes, even if it's a new RPD the value added is minimal if any. If I look at the PCGS price guide (don't know if the app you're using has different numbers) a price of $40 means a grade of F-15. Clearly, the coin is better than that. I'd grade it either EF45 or AU50 (with the determining factor being luster, which I can't see in the photo).
I have to admit the purpose for me initially seeking out a shield nickel was to in fact fill a hole in my new 7070 album. The first one I was able to purchase was actually a '69 narrow date and after doing a little more research I became interested in the varieties. I was looking through the 'bay and saw the attached coin for $150, I negotiated with the seller for $55 - not too bad. This one appears to also be a narrow date. With all the information I'll probably pass on the coin in question, seems that he has it priced right on with the grade.
No it has the same numbers, I was just low-balling the grade but maybe by a little too much. Seems he has it right on with an EF45-AU50. Given that I just recently purchased another example, I think I'll pass on this one.
