Im not saying its counterfit but my general rule is pre 1850 or anytihng over 100 dollars has to be slabbed.
I know nothing about that coin, per se, but that dealer is an absolute (substitute your preferential derogatory term). That being said, he is a recognized numismatist. My guess, based solely on the seller, is that it is authentic.
The coin is authentic, and not all that un-appealing in my opinion. But, it is NOT AU by a stretch, and with the corrosion, which is not spot corrosion on the reverse, but rather appears generalized, it is worth at most the price of a VF15-20 in my opinion. S-44 is a relatively common Rarity 1 variety. No rarity premium at all. You should consult Heritage.com, and compare with S-44's in the sold archives. There are probably quite a few.
FYI, CQR pricing for a clean S-44 in VF-15 is $750, VF-20 is $1,000. CQR pricing for a scudzy S-44 in VF-15 is $250. For you non-early copper types, CQR is COPPER QUOTES by ROBINSON and is the pricing bible for the Early American Copper affectionados. At the F-12 to VF-20 level, scudzy is a coin with higher sharpness, but moderate (F-12) to light (VF-20) surface porosity or corrosion. Other factors include scratches and rim dings. At its current bid of $330, I'd say that it is pushing the upper limits of its true worth. My opinion.
