I recently (before the Coronavirus really started to hit) picked up an 1809 Half Cent(VG) and 1803 Large Cent(AG), so I figured I would share a couple of pictures with you guys. I picked up these coins for around $40 total. Both of these coins will fill a previously unclaimed hole. I especially like the look of these two coins; because in hand, they have that chocolate brown color that is quite attractive. I've tried before to find lower grade, problem-free copper coins, but they always seem to be riddled with problems or extremely expensive. These coins seemed to be extremely affordable and free of any major problems. Let me know what you guys think of the purchases! Sorry in advance for the subpar pictures, but my phone doesn't take the best photos.
They do look a bit circulated. The 1809 looks nicer but of course that's a lot more common in all grades I think. Are you taking pictures through plastic? You might want to pick up some nice felt cloth at a Hobby Lobby in various colors for photography. Also photo outside of the 2x2 holders. I've been looking for older coppers too but have been completely unsucessful with the earliest ones. They're really difficult, particularly the 1st year of issue: '93 in both denominations. I could probably afford both if I could find them but they're tough to find. I have a nice group of latter years in the 30's and really should photograph them for my website...
I ended up picking up a 1818 large cent on auction for 6$ with a few full date buffalo nickels, and some v nickels. Guess bidding isn't really bad right now for coins.
They are nice for what they are for they are, but in the future you might want more as advance as a collector. You are right to look for “hard” brown surfaces. Rough, pitted surfaces are to be avoided unless it’s rare, and you are on a budget.m
