1909 VDB grade help

So I've been looking to fill a cheaper slot in my 7070 and came across this 1909 VDB. Seller is asking $32 which, for what I think is at least a 61, puts it right in that price range according to the PCGS price guide. Usually my mobile go-to for reference only. The fields are nice and the strike looks pretty sharp with maybe a little wear at the high points. What do you guys think?

 

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From the image, I'm at 65RB. Can't tell much about the luster.

 

I'd wager 63RB, but something about the look of the reverse fields makes me think it might be AU-58.

 

Jason, what is your impression of the right-hand wheat ear? It looks like it has slightly more wear than the left-hand wheat ear.

Chris

 

The right ear is out of focus, the left ear is in focus. That is the difference you are seeing.

What I'm looking at is the field below CENT, which either has some hazy toning, or a touch of wear has interrupted the luster.

 

Thanks for the feedback as always! I did go through with it for $32 so I'll post more pictures when I have it in hand. I did notice that luster and some strike characteristics were hard to discern from the seller's photos. I'm hoping it looks just as good or better in hand. Either way I'm not too upset with the purchase.

 

It is an uncirculated coin. Very attractive for a type set.

 

I didn't think of that. Thanks!

Chris

 

65RB, looks like a very nice example!

 

I agree, 65 RB

 

I would be proud to have that one. Nice!!

 

Thanks for all the comments, I'm real happy with the purchase! It'll go great in the dansco, I just wish every coin in my 7070 could be in similar condition

 

Well after a short delay I finally received the coin over the weekend. Would've had it Friday but the battery in my jeep decided to die when I was running errands over lunch. Luckily I was stranded at home, but my coin was stranded at the office.

I'll preface this by saying I know the photos aren't the best. Was gloomy all weekend so daylight was horrible, and I'm only working with a cellphone at the moment. Overall I was immediately disappointed with the coin. Even with the bad photos you can see multiple obverse luster breaks, which really look like mud colored splotches. You tilt the coin just enough and the surface does have some nice luster, keeping tilting it a bit more and the splotches become overly evident. The reverse has streaking which looks like it could be due to the "woody" effect, which is usually attractive, but if it's the case here it is just plain ugly. You can tell the coin is the same but just not as sharp as what was shown in the photos.

I don't know if the photos were juiced or if the seller intentionally held the coin at just the right angle to be deceiving. I was unsure how the return policy would be if I removed the coin from the flip so I just left it in.

Anyone have any differing opinions on the coin? I'm almost positive that it's going back but was curious if anyone thought otherwise. Seems I could find a better example for my type set.

 

There is a thread from this last weekend where somebody successfully protested the Ebay "open not returnable" policy. And you are correct. Your photos do not represent the photos you posted a week ago.

 

Yeah I didn't catch that thread until this morning so I'm glad I decided to leave it in the 2x2.

 

Yea, return it and my suggestion is BE PICKY when selecting a 09 VDB. Ive actually been looking for a slabbed 65/66 rb or bn for like 2 years now.. I cant find one that i really like, and i feel is worthy of becoming part of my core collection. One of these days.........

 

Well I usually am picky and thought I found a winner this time - especially given the pictures. One of the many downsides of the 'bay.

 

I made my first high grade long distance purchase last month. I dealt with a reputable dealer that I had made a trip two years ago to visit. I was fully confident in them. I needed a quality Type 1 SLQ. I prefer more of a blast white coin. At my age my eyes need the definition. The first photo is what was represented to me by the dealer. The second photo that I just took is more representative of the piece. It is dark with an unsightly toning that is not at all discernable in the dealers photo..... I don't feel that I was taken advantage of or misled. I didn't specify blast white in my dealings. I do know it was an expensive lesson for me purchasing long distance coins..... Anyway, I said all this as a statement on the photography that we base these purchases on. It's hard to make an accusation that a piece was not properly represented. In effect you are calling a person a liar. I suppose it is the risk that comes with long distance buying.

 

Whoa, certainly deceiving seller photos, I'm down to 63/64 RD.

 

Thanks for sharing your story and experience Randy. I don't feel taken advantage of but it has made me realize that I need to be even more careful when analyzing photos. As a seller I could imagine you want photos that best represent your coin or item, while avoiding any deception whether intended or accidental. To me it just seems that certain detracting qualities I noticed in-hand should at least be slightly visible in the seller photos. Perhaps the lighting was just right to bring out the luster and hide those detracting qualities - I won't rush to judgement. Bottom line the seller offers returns so I'll be taking advantage of it. Definitely a lesson learned for future purchases.

It is certainly a shame but oh well, there are more VDB's in the sea.