I have my two 2.5 dollar gold classic heads for you experts to grade. The first is an 1834. The second is 1838-O(Breen 6152 variety). I mention the variety because the formation of the 1838 is curved, as well as a different alignment of the "T" in "STATES". Its interesting, because I first thought the alignment was fishy given my previous counterfeit experience; but it honestly looks exactly like the variety on the PCGS website......along with the strong toning on this coin, I am pretty certain it is authentic. It's rare at approx 17,000 minted, but unfortunately my example has several scratches on both obverse and reverse. So I guess I would be looking at a "details" grade on that one. They are both pleasing to look at, and are several of the highlights of my collection.
Here is an NGC EF-40 for reference, though I think they may have overgraded that one IMO. http://cgi.ebay.com/1836-2-1-2-GOLD...VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247
They both look genuine to me, the first one XF and the second one, perhaps low VF as a net grade. These coins are often softly struck on portions of the design, such that even unc. examples appear to be worn.
So, with the VF grade for the second one, are you guys taking into account the scratches? I think they both have at least XF details(comparing to several graded XF-40's I've seen), but I'm no expert. I just don't know how much the scratches would detract....but I agree that a low VF net grade seems pretty reasonable for the second one. The first I would say XF-45 details, though I'm wondering if it has been cleaned. What looks weird about the second one gx? I'm pretty sure it's the Breen 6152 variety, comparing it to the picture on the bottom of this page... http://www.coinfacts.com/quarter_eagles/classic_head_quarter_eagles/1839o_quarter_eagle.htm
Yes, I took the scratches into account in my low VF net grade. I don't see any obvious cleaning, but rather than keep guessing about the coins, why not submit them to a top notch grading company?
Thanks Mark! I do plan to send them to ANACS here eventually, but I enjoy getting opinions from you guys. Part of the reason I was asking is because the dealer I bought the 1839-O sold it as "Fine"(taking into account the scratches), and I believe he undergraded it somewhat. I like buying from dealers who undergrade. There is no hidden rim damage or anything, so the photos tell the story. The reason that I'm suspicious about cleaning on the 1834 is that the coin is very uniform in color. There aren't obvious "hairline" cleaning scratches, but it is odd to me that a coin that old would have a uniform color. Maybe it was dipped? What other signs might there be? Just wanting to learn. John
John, the 1834 might have been dipped or lightly cleaned - I just can't tell from the images. But keep in mind that gold coinage is generally less reactive than silver, copper and nickel, so uniform color on it isn't as likely to signify a cleaning as it might be on a coin of a different metal.
anyone care to take a guess at the value of these coins? I don't have a redbook or greysheet, so I'm not really sure as I only have online guides. John
