I recently purchased this coin for $68.00. I did some research on my own (YIKES) From the PCGS website, using the tools available, I gave this an approximate grade of between MS-66 and MS-68. I am probably shooting waaay to high, I am certainly not a professional numismatic but this really is in fantastic condition. There is one nick on Lincolns shoulder that appears to be bag damage, but I can't be sure, and there is a bright red sheen on front and back, the pics don't reflect that as well as I would like. Here are a few pics (the best I can do). Also, the periods between the VDB initials are missing between the V and D and After the D, the only one I can make out is the period between the B and D. Really I am only wondering if I should spend the money on grading and slabbing this coin. I want to be sure because finances are tight, but i could swing it if the value is more than the grading/slabbing, and my purchase price. Any input would be greatly appreciated and I will be keeping an eye on this post to answer any other questions anyone might have. Thanks in advance.
MS64 Obverse, MS65 Reverse (PCGS'd probably bump the grade for the attractive toning). ... But definitely no MS68. -Brian
I would give it a 65 (i have a 64). but i wouldn't pay to grade it unless you're going to sell it. it's the same coin graded or not.
First, congrats on getting a pretty decent looking 1909 VDB! :thumb: If you submitted that coin to PCGS, it would grade either MS64RB or MS65RB, it would go no higher based on the small contact marks in the fields and on the luster of the coin. There is also a 50-50 shot in my opinion that PCGS would call the coin ungradable based on the scratch on the obverse on Lincoln and would put it in a Genuine holder marked as damaged. Assuming the best case scenario, if the coin graded MS65RB or even MS65+RB, the coin would be worth $80-$100 or so. The grading fees for a single coin submitted would be approximately $40-$50 (which includes the shipping each way). Additionally, you must pay an annual membership fee to submit to PCGS. Accordingly, submitting this coin for grading doesn't seem worthwhile to me unless you are already a member of PCGS and have a free submission voucher. Even if you got really lucky and they called it MS66RB, it would be worth $150-$175 and would still not justify the significant grading costs. On a side note, PCGS has only certified a single 1909 VDB at the 68 grade, a lone MS68RD. The word on the street is that the coin would not regrade 68 if resubmitted today and doesn't compare to most MS67 coins. So far, there are only two PCGS MS67+RDs out there, and I used to own one of them, but decided I'm just as happy with the MS67RD that I have. For RB designated coins, the highest graded examples are three PCGS MS67RBs... and I have two of them
Thanks for all the info everyone! I knew I was over thinking it lol. Oh well, still a beautiful coin and a welcome addition to my 1900 - present set. And once I'm a little ahead I might just get it graded just for me. Thanks again everyone who replied.
illini420 nailed it! It's not too often that a VDB is worth having slabbed. It would have to be a truly exceptional coin. Nonetheless, it look like you have a very nice VDB there! $68 less than CDN 64 bid so I'd say you got a good deal!
I agree that the price paid was pretty good for the look and eye appeal of that particular VDB. However, I wouldn't turn to the 64 Greysheet price for too much support here. Remember, for Lincoln Cents, the Greysheet prices for MS64 and MS65 coins are for full red examples. In contrast, the MS63 Greysheet price is for an red-brown example. Note that this doesn't hold for Indian Cent prices. For Indian Cents the Greysheet prices are for MS63BN, MS64RB and MS65RB coins... none of the prices of Indian Cents are for full red coins. You have to be really careful when looking at the MS grades of the copper coins in the Greysheet. I've seen many people at shows way overpay and also way undercharge for copper because they rely on the Greysheet price w/o figuring out what color designation goes along with each grade. I can't even begin to tell you how many full red Indian Head Cents I've been able to get relatively cheap because the dealer uses the Greysheet for pricing!!! The OP's coin appears 85-90% red to me, but given that type of toning on the coin I'd bet it would go into an RB holder vs. a RD holder. Accordingly, if we think the coin is an MS64RB or MS65RB... the value of that coin isn't even listed in the Greysheet...
