I'm thinking about buying this 1795 Liberty Cap

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by BostonCoins, Jul 11, 2013.

  1. BostonCoins

    BostonCoins Well-Known Member

    Hello!

    I don't currently own a Liberty Cap cent, and have come across one that may be within my budget. I'm just a bit gun shy on pulling the trigger.

    First... I believe it's an S-78 (Plain Edge indicated on ad). Opinions on that one?

    Secondly, it is graded (unprofessionally) as AG... I agree with that. Although it's AG, the date is very bold. There is enough detail left on the Obverse to see the date, much of the Liberty (including position for identification). The reverse has enough details at the top of the wreath that aides in identification. The rest is pretty well toasted.

    Now, when I look up a Plain Edge 95' on Nuismedia, they are listing a G at $480. You figure AG should be something like half or less than that, right? The coin I have pictured here is actually priced right where I think it should be... and most importantly, can afford.

    Before I pull the trigger, I just wanted your guy's opinion. Is it a S-78? And.. what would you pay for it? $200? Less? More?

    Thanks in advance!
    1795-obverse.jpg
    1795-reverse.jpg
     
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  3. saltysam-1

    saltysam-1 Junior Member

    My 2012 Red Book says $100 for an AG-3, and that's at full retail.
     
  4. BostonCoins

    BostonCoins Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the reply. That is right about what this coin is priced at. I figured it was on or about right.... but wasn't sure if even that was too much. I would not resell it (i'm not a turn and burn type of coin guy), but want to make sure I don't get too badly burned either!
     
  5. saltysam-1

    saltysam-1 Junior Member

    Since the coin's value has nothing to do with intrinsic worth, I think it would only appreciate over time. Your risk is negligible.
     
  6. BostonCoins

    BostonCoins Well-Known Member

    Thank you for your input! I truly appreciate it. I agree with you, hence why it caught my eye immediately.

    Now if only someone could verify the S-78 identification I have given it?
     
  7. vlaha

    vlaha Respect. The. Hat.

    According to my book that is an S-78. The obverse diagnostic is that the top of the five is touching the bust, but is not imbedded.
     
  8. mark_h

    mark_h Somewhere over the rainbow

    I would not use redbook for these for pricing. Best guide in Copper Quotes by Robinson for large cents. I did not try to validate the variety - but the way the reverse is I, just personal opinion, would pass. It just looks so distorted and damaged I am not sure I could price it. The obverse I like, reverse just turns me off. Just my personal opinion.
     
  9. micbraun

    micbraun coindiccted

    As you're saying you want to keep it, I am wondering if you have considered saving some money and buying one at a higher grade? In the long-term you certainly won't regret such a decision... I am buying much less coins than I used to what allows me to chose a higher grade now.
     
  10. MorganDollarTJ

    MorganDollarTJ Senior Member YN

    No way, even being one of my favorite coins, in that condition I would definitely not pay $200, more like $75 at the VERY most
     
  11. BRandM

    BRandM Counterstamp Collector

    Agreed.

    Bruce
     
  12. aubade21

    aubade21 Well-Known Member

    I would agree with some of the other posters. If you can get the coin for say $40-60, I think it is something you should consider it. If not, save a bit of cash and get a non-damaged AG3 coin or upgrade to a G4. In the long run, I believe you will be happier with you decision.
     
  13. aubade21

    aubade21 Well-Known Member

    After I posted the last message I went on Ebay to see what people were paying for these coins. To my surprise, several damaged AG / Fair coins were being sold for $60-85. So maybe 75 dollars is not unreasonable...although I would still try to get it for $50ish and tell the seller you can pick these coins up pretty easily for $70 on Ebay. If nothing else, Ebay is great for bargaining power.
     
  14. BostonCoins

    BostonCoins Well-Known Member

    Thank you all for your input. This coin is listing on a retail coin shop site for about $100. I don't have a Liberty Cap cent yet, and the prices I see these coins going for are a lot higher than i've budgeted for this coin.
    On a side note, I don't have an e-bay account either (the whole online fraud thing and such just really worries me.. so I stay clear. I've already been hacked/Card stolen online twice... that involves new bank card... new account.. etc... Sucks!). That, of course, is also going to really damper my opportunities to finding one at such a low cost....

    I think I'll pass on this coin for now..... I believe it's sat on this person's site for quite some time now. Maybe i'll check in from time to time, and if I can't seem to find one on my own, maybe i'll try to counter-offer them for a lower price.

    Thanks for all of your input!
     
  15. MorganDollarTJ

    MorganDollarTJ Senior Member YN

    you could however email the guy (if possible) and ask for a lower price, maybe $60, or whatever you are willing to pay? that might work
     
  16. BooksB4Coins

    BooksB4Coins Newbieus Sempiterna

    Just buy a throw-away debit card if you're that concerned with your financial info being stolen.



    This also can be a good way to get told to "pound sand". All depends on the individual dealer, but for one who takes great care to screen and/or obtain their offerings, this can be highly insulting, so if you try this, it is probably best to stick with dealers who have a very general/generic inventory.
     
  17. aubade21

    aubade21 Well-Known Member

    [/quote]This also can be a good way to get told to "pound sand". All depends on the individual dealer, but for one who takes great care to screen and/or obtain their offerings, this can be highly insulting, so if you try this, it is probably best to stick with dealers who have a very general/generic inventory.[/quote]
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Well, I suppose that I would have an issue with a dealer quoting me a figure that is 25 or 30% above the fair asking price on a coin that does not warrant it. It sort of makes me think...does this dealer think I am clueless about the value of this coin (or that I can't do a little checking)? But I do agree, it really depend on the dealer. I would never be rude or shove it in their face that I can get a coin of equal or better condition for much cheaper in other areas. At most, I would mention I have done my research online (and elsewhere) and feel confident that X dollars is a fair price, and the most I would feel comfortable paying for said coin. Then, if they wanted to know how I came by that figure, I would not feel bad about dropping Ebay into the discussion. Chances are, they buy and sell on Ebay too.
    I don't think this is a whole lot different than when I buying a car, or go to a mechanic, or shop for any other competitive service. I believe that by showing you know your stuff, you will be less likely to be bamboozled, and agreeing to a deal you would later lament.

    ***Disclaimer: I have made more than my fair share of regrettable deals, so I do not want to come off as if I have never paid too much for goods/services. I just hate it when thirty minutes of research could save me a significant amount of cash.***
     
  18. BooksB4Coins

    BooksB4Coins Newbieus Sempiterna

    My post was directed more towards those who drop the "I can get it on ebay for....." at every opportunity as if it actually means something. I would not ask nor expect anyone to overpay, and it is one thing if a fairly comparable example of X can be found on ebay, but when one wishes to compare apples to oranges and be taken seriously... it is a whole different ballgame.

    Much has to do with the knowledge of the person making the claim, and as an example, this is similar to those who walk around with sheet in-hand and get upset because they cannot buy a very scarce and original coin in a certain series at list. Unfortunately, in the eyes of such people it is always the dealer's fault.
     
  19. BooksB4Coins

    BooksB4Coins Newbieus Sempiterna

  20. tgaw

    tgaw Member

    shop more buy less buy better buy smarter
     
  21. Marshall

    Marshall Junior Member

    It is a S-78 and the second most common 1795. It is not unusual to get a strong date on even the low grade of that variety unlike it's reverse S-87 which is often found with the date worn completely off and misidentified as a 1795. I had three dateless S-87's until recently, all acquired as 1795.
     
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