I acquired this 1899 $20 Lib some time ago and have since kept it in an AirTite. I have recently begun to consider sending it in to be graded. It will be the first coin for me to submit to be graded, so I would like some feedback as to what ya'll think it would come back at. I know grading from photos is incredibly difficult. Anyways, here is the coin:
Because of the size of that gouge across the nose it's a borderline problem coin IMO, so it's possible the TPGs could think the same. And I think the coin has some wear, so I would say AU details. The TPGs may not agree with that. But I could not under any circumstances see them grading it higher than MS61 as a best case scenario.
Maybe I am getting old, but I just see a badly battered, (and unfortunately the worst is in the prime focal area), BU double eagle. I do not see AU. But, I would agree with a 61 grade. 1899 is a common year OP, and this is a low BU grade. What would the point of it being slabbed?
The point would basically be to see if it is uncirculated or AU ha! I took several photos, this photo shows the most wear and marks. I did that to get a conservative opinion. Having said that, the nose gouge is not really a gouge. I certainly see how it appears that way in the photos, but that is an optical illusion of the photo.
Fair enough. My comments were already ignoring that, but concentrating on all of the bagmarks on her cheek, neck, eyes, in fron of her face. All of those are prime focal area locations, and as such are judged more severe than is they were behind her head or in her hair. That is why I was guessing a 61, just way too many bag marks in the most sensitive locations. The reverse is nice so MAYBE they would give it a 62. I would not scream at them if they did, just quietly disagree a little.
61 and less" rubby" then many of these that are graded UNC. Certainly nicer than my 1899 $20. I don't know if the slabbing and shipping fees would be worth it on this piece. If you are curious how they would grade it, by all means, send it in.
Thank you all for the feedback. My goal with this coin was a 62. I know it is definitely no gem. But I had seen several coins with pretty rough bag marks like mine get a 62. I would be happy with a 60-61 as well. I'd be disappointed at a 58, however. Looking at the hair under magnification, I cannot tell if there really is any wear, or just a weaker strike considering it is struck gold after all. Just some extra information, I was not planning on sending this coin in alone. I have a handful I definitely would like graded and this was one that was borderline.
I'm in the 61 camp , but can see the tpgs giving it a 62 as it is a large gold coin which they are more lenient with . I agree , why spend the money to have it graded ?
Because he REALLY needs to know the grade! I submitted coins of much lower value in the past for that reason.
Techniquely I agree , as all those little hits and rubs look like it was in someones pocket for awhile . There's just too many and they don't look like bag marks .
I appreciate the feedback! I will probably hold off on submitting it. I may bring it to an upcoming show and get dealer opinions in person for a more accurate grade.
