I have a friend who would like me to piggyback this with my next NGC submission. Obviously, if he wants it graded no matter what, I'm going to honor his request and send it in for him. (I'm not sure if his goal is to sell it or keep it.) I'd like to get some opinions as to whether YOU feel this coin is worth slabbing in this condition. Great Britain - 1821 1 Sovereign KM 682 Mintage of 9,405,000 .917 gold (.2355 AGW - current melt is around $300) Weight: 7.9 grams Diameter: 22 mm NGC Price Guide (using the only values listed): VF: $1,125 XF: $2,625 MS: $3,525 Thanks for your input.
Bearing in mind that I am British and have a poor opinion of the TPG habit, I think as it is only VG, and in an average condition for the coin, I do not think it worth while. The grade is pretty obviously 'average circulated' and it appears to be genuine. I think he would be wasting his money. PS./ Anyone collecting more than a few sovereigns should find a Harrison's Sovereign Scale. This little brass scale was made in the 19th C and was very widely used because it measures weight, diameter and thickness all at once in a tiny pocket sized package. One could probably be found on UK ebay. They are not all that rare and usually fetch about $50. Sometimes they are available in pristine condition in the original 19th C pocket box.
Worth it if he likes the slabbing idea or if he plans to sell it and wants it authenticated. The grade itself is probably not the issue. @afantiques I'm guessing this is the kind of scale right?
I could see it getting a 'genuine' designation only. In my opinion it won't get a straight grade as it is obviously harshly cleaned (scrubbing striations). Though to be generous I could see it getting a 'Fine - Details' designation.
Thanks to everyone who has responded thus far. IMO, the coin is common, low grade, and has been harshly cleaned/polished...not a good combo for wasting money on a TPG slab. But people gonna do what people gonna do...gotta protect your "precious." (Sorry for the 24-hour-later response. I...I started watching Stranger Things S1 and kinda fell off the face of the earth for a bit. Ha!)
I collect Sovereigns and sometimes send them in for grading. The 1821 is collectable, but looking at your picture, it is a very low grade. I wouldn't send it in for grading. Now I picked up a 1918 Sovereign minted in India. It is the only year the Sovereign was minted in India, that plus its condition, made it worthwhile to send it in to NGC.:
