hone your grading skills -- classic head large cent

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Leadfoot, Jul 7, 2006.

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  1. Leadfoot

    Leadfoot there is no spoon

    This is one of the tougher type coins to find nice. Attached below is the specimen from my collection. Please guess the grade that PCGS gave the coin. Also feel free to include your grade and any comments (both good and bad are welcome).

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    Have fun...Mike
     
    Leadfoot, Jul 7, 2006
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  3. B12

    B12 Coin Hoarder

    F12 I'd say.
     
    B12, Jul 7, 2006
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  4. Morgan Dollar13

    Morgan Dollar13 New Member

    Hmmm...it looks around F12 to me. Coin does have numerous nicks on the obverse though :eek:
     
    Morgan Dollar13, Jul 7, 2006
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  5. mark_h

    mark_h Somewhere over the rainbow

    F-12 1810/09 variety. Nice coin.
     
    mark_h, Jul 7, 2006
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  6. Speedy

    Speedy Researching Coins Supporter

    I would grade it VG10 but I think PCGS gave it F15.
    The area infront of the face seems to be weakly struck.....

    Speedy
     
    Speedy, Jul 7, 2006
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  7. JavaGold

    JavaGold Member

    If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you graders point out a couple of things that you are looking at when you grade a coin. Like what do you look at first when grading a coin like this? Are you looking for specifics to take away, or to add to?...if you know what I mean.
     
    JavaGold, Jul 7, 2006
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  8. Speedy

    Speedy Researching Coins Supporter

    Well that is hard and easy-----look like at each coin different---I would suggest getting a few books.....
    Photograde
    ANA Grading Guide
    PCGS Grading Guide

    That will help alot with the type of questions you have!

    Speedy
     
    Speedy, Jul 7, 2006
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  9. EdsCoin

    EdsCoin Senior Member

    PCGS EX40
    I would say VF30 net VF20 because of the nicks on the obverse.
    Coin has Beautiful chocolate color which to me is the most Important thing.
    A Very Nice 1810 over 09
     
    EdsCoin, Jul 7, 2006
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  10. Bonedigger

    Bonedigger New Member

    A very solid VF-25.

    Bone
     
    Bonedigger, Jul 7, 2006
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  11. rocketman

    rocketman New Member

    I think its an F-12, but PCGS gave it a VF-25
     
    rocketman, Jul 7, 2006
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  12. vincent2920

    vincent2920 Senior Member

    Looks to me like a PCGS VF20. Hair worn down quite a bit on the forehead and around the ear. Coin is nicked up a bit but still pretty nice. Thanks
     
    vincent2920, Jul 7, 2006
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  13. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    I'm gonna say the coin grades VF20 but that PCGS gave it VF35.
     
    GDJMSP, Jul 7, 2006
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  14. PyrotekNX

    PyrotekNX Senior Member

    I don't know about the grade, but it sure is a nice overdate!
     
    PyrotekNX, Jul 7, 2006
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  15. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator


    To be quite honest, when I grade any coin I look at the coin as whole first of all - that forms my initial overall opinion. 98 % of the time, that opinion doesn't change. But then I look at the details and see if there is anything that catches my eye or stands out as being wrong, out of place or different in some way. Then I pick up the grading book and double check to make sure my memory isn't playing tricks on me. With the book in hand, I compare the description to what my eyes see. When the two match, that's the grade.

    Being able to grade coins is something that comes with experience - there's just no other way to put it. The more you do it, the better you get at it. At first it's hard and seems complicated. But after you obtain enough experience - it's as easy as rolling off a log. Well, excdpt for early copper and those dang Washington quarters :headbang:
     
    GDJMSP, Jul 7, 2006
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  16. bruce 1947

    bruce 1947 Support Or Troops

    Moderate even wear but more wear on cheek, wear on hair at shoulder ( reverse wreath has wear on high points I say vf-20 they grade maybe vf-30
     
    bruce 1947, Jul 7, 2006
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  17. zaneman

    zaneman Former Moderator

    I have a hard time with these. It looks to be vf at the least, at least by PCGS standards, but it also looks like it is slightly damaged. I would grade it a vf-25 ignoring the damage, so I am going to guess that PCGS put this anywhere from a f-15 to a vf-25 holder. I know that is kind of a broad guess.
     
    zaneman, Jul 8, 2006
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  18. JavaGold

    JavaGold Member

    Thanks for the different replys to my question. I'll buy a copy of the PCGS Guide today. What a wonderful site this is; & you guys are so generous with your time in helping us newbies.
     
    JavaGold, Jul 8, 2006
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  19. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator


    By all means, do so. But you would learn more by studying the ANA Grading Guide.
     
    GDJMSP, Jul 8, 2006
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  20. JavaGold

    JavaGold Member

    Then I'll look for it instead...thanks.
     
    JavaGold, Jul 8, 2006
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  21. zaneman

    zaneman Former Moderator

    I would recommend both books. The PCGS guide tells you how to detect counterfeit coins, also talks about artificial toning and other forms of doctoring, amongst other things.
     
    zaneman, Jul 8, 2006
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