hi I was recently given some coins which I have been researching, one of those coins being this 1916 nickel, I have read on a few websites about the feathers and the double 9 and 6 which you can see the only bit I cannot see is the nose and chin... just a couple of questions. is this a genuine ddo, if so what sort of grade would you put to this I can supply more pictures if anyone requires any thanks in advance cheifww
I think the coloration comes from photographing under a strong incandescent light. Try an outdoor photo, just within the shade of a tree or building (to reduce glare). Incidentally, the 1916/1916 photo in the Redbook is among the best I've seen.
Yep, that's the real deal. Very nice coin, and a must for certification. If you don't need the money badly, you probably cannot find a better investment than that coin . . . I personally would put it in my own retirement portfolio. Big kudos!
hi thank you all for your replies ive attached more pics in a natural light rather than incandessent (yes doug your right I did take the pics using my desk lamp) how would I go about getting this certified how much would this cost??? as for where I found it I picked it up in a bag of coins from a local car boot sale in total about 80 coins in a bag £5 tbh id looked at the coin once and thought it was worthless then while researching a 1931 dime I have aswell (san fransisco) I came across a write up on the 1916 took another look at mine and well that's why im here ive added more pics under natural light thanks again
Now that you've shot photos again in better lighting, the persistent difference in appearance between the front and back leads me to believe that the obverse may have suffered some environmental damage, but I would not make that assumption just yet. I would submit the coin for grading, to PCGS first, and if they say it is genuine - no grade, then submit it to NGC. If it comes back no grade from both PCGS and NGC, then, and only then, would I consider sending it in for conservation of its surfaces. Note that I wrote "consider" conservation . . . conservation comes with its own attendant risks. I think you can get a lot of money for the coin exactly as it sits, and let the next owner assume any risk associated with having it conserved. If you plan on keeping it for the long haul, however, and if the coin comes back no grade from both PCGS and NGC, I would have the coin conserved to ensure that whatever degrading process has taken place is stopped dead in its tracks.
If you are outside the U.S. (you paid £?), you may have a problem dealing with PCGS or NGC. What country are you in?
Hi Doug I'm in the uk it came in a bag of coins I bought from a local Carboot there was around 80 coins in the bag, I paid 5 British pounds which works out to less than 10 British pence I have phoned a ncgs based in kent they informed me that they would want 0.5% of the coins value is this correct I honestly did not realize that this would be such a significant coin and sat here I don't know which route would be best to take regarding what to do next with this Any suggestions !!! Regards cheifww
If you assume the primary market for the coin is the U.S., then you want it graded by an American resource like PCGS or NGC. Here is a starter that costs you nothing -- email both firms, and ask them if they ever visit coin shows in the U.K. and offer direct submission by the client (you). I am not qualified to discuss whether the coin should be "conserved" first. Considering the sad state of mailing worldwide, I would be hesitant to ship a coin of this potential value across the street, much less across the ocean. Keep in mind that Registered Mail, by itself, has a maximum indemnity of U.S. $45, a laughable amount.
I wouldn't suggest it getting mailed over somewhere, I would suggest going to any coin shows near you and get it slabbed by PCGS/NGC there.