I picked up a nearly complete set of Large Cents (1798 - 1857), missing only the 1799, 1804, 1809, and 1857. So I have 56 LC's that I'd like to go through and see if there are any desirable varieties. Is my only option a $200+/- book? I've tried going through Heritage's previous sales, but that would take a lifetime to really figure anything out. I doubt there are any valuable varieties, but you never know. Would an older copy of Penny Whimsy be worth it, or is there something somewhere online that I can glean information from?
There's information online about large cent varieties. Just look at the text on the left side of this page for example: http://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/large-cents/draped-bust/ And then you could google each one specifically and get more information.
I've seen that one, but it doesn't go into enough details/varieties for what I'm looking for. As an example, I have a 1795 Liberty Cap, S-276a, which is a lettered edge on a thick planchet. That site doesn't mention the 276a, which is an R-5. There seem to be a bazillion Sheldon numbers (and others), and I'd love to be able to determine which each coin is.
Pick up the Red Book on large cents (~$45 retail) or the Mega Red Book with the large cent section (can be had for ~$10-15, so better deal for more info and better pictures) and all of the Sheldon and Cohen varieties are listed in detail. I use these books exclusively now for half cents and early large cents. For the later dates, there is a PDF of the Newcomb book floating around on the interwebs for free. https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/001597084
Well, that site and whatever you are usingare pretty worthless because there is no such thing as a S-276a. You mean S-76a. And there are four lettered-edge 1795 varieties, not just the S-76a.
Are you a member of the ANA? If so you can borrow the books you need from the Library. If you aren't a member, join and then you can borrow the books and get the magazine as well, plus as an ANA member you can get an account with NGC and be able to submit coins without having to buy an NGC membership. Only cost for borrowing the books is media mail shipping both ways. You can keep the books for a month, and I believe you can renew them as long as no one else has requested them.
I have the MegaRed, and Breens Encyclopedia. (just got them), and I have checked Breen's, but haven't even cracked open the Mega. Thanks. I'll be looking at that site momentarily. Yes, I dorked. I've only owned the coin for 18 years, and for some reason, I always want to put a 2 in the number. You are correct, it's a S-76a... Yup, I'm an ANA member. I really need to take advantage of the membership, and this is probably the way I'll go. I just have to remember to send it back when I'm done! Thanks guys!
There are no good resources online for attribution. The books all describe attribution points that help reduce the the potential variety down to a handful. I have never found this information online. Keep in mind that Sheldon is still available for relatively cheap (one on ebay for $35) and is more than acceptable for attribution. With that said, you have a couple options. If you are willing to do the work, the Dan Holmes catalogs are basically complete, available online, and can be used to attribute, at least for the early and middle dates. Early date: http://images.goldbergauctions.com/php/toc_auc.php?site=1&lang=1&sale=54 Middle date: http://images.goldbergauctions.com/php/toc_auc.php?site=1&lang=1&sale=59 Late date: http://images.goldbergauctions.com/php/chap_auc.php?site=1&lang=1&sale=62&chapter=1&page=1 Option 2, at least for the early and middle dates. Post pictures here and I am sure some of us will help with attributions. Once you get hooked they are fun. For late dates, you have a different issue. The attribution points for many varieties are extremely subtle and difficult to pick up in pictures. Your best bet on these is to buy Grellman if you are interested. With the book, attribution is tricky and takes some practice to get good at, but it's doable.
