Grade 1840 Large Cent

All threads about large cents are good. As it stands I still would not call in VF details and tpgs do make mistakes in my opinion.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Are you talking to yourself? I don't understand the details grade - what's the damage?

 

I thought I could take the pic down until the poll was over, but couldn't, so yeah, talking to myself.

I'm not sure what the damage was, but at $21, I couldn't pass it up for reference purposes.

 

Much too dark for sensible grading. Lighten up! And I don't mean attitude.

 

I will post some lighter pictures tonight for some honest comment.

 

Guess the Grade threads are fun & educational. I have started dozens of them over the years and some blossomed into very interesting threads. I like many others voted details for environmental damage, did they possibly miss a word on the label? PCGS provides the GENUINE code in the number on the label. I don't ever recall seeing a label just say damage, but then again, I avoid problem coins like the plague.

 

It was purchased as a reference coin, primarily as to grade (VF), but apparently, that is very questionable.

 

My first thought upon opening the thread was: That graded?

I got over the feeling and guessed 25.

Lesson learned: Go with your gut, Mike.

Setting aside the obverse dig, that's a VF coin by NGC standards all day, IMO. Here's why...

The coin has a shallow strike, typical of early 1840's cents, most visible on the reverse lettering and also carries onto the obverse stars. I think the weak strike may have fooled many, along with the general graniness (sp?) of the photos. The key is to look at the amount of hair detail remaining. If the coin had a lot of wear, this would have been more impaired.

 

Lighter pictures.

 

Oh man, those pictures are so much better. Night and day difference (pardon the pun).

 

I used more direct lighting this time around.