If so, could a strike-through of an eye-lash hair on the die cause this?[/QUOTE] Looks like a dig to me...
I grade it EF-45. I’m just not seeing enough luster for an AU grade. It will probably get an AU-55 grade. The scratch and dig in front of the chin hurt a bit, and I see some very light porosity behind the bow, but I doubt that it will matter much. I’d have picked it up for what you paid. Once certified, it won’t be too difficult to double your money
I will be very interesting to hear what B. Noyes has to say about this coin. Another option may be Jack Robinson, by the way.
OK, this example is actually already in Noyes as CC 18, ex John Ashby to John D. Wright as VF25(40) AveMinus.
Noyes is tough on copper and viewed "damage"; he graded it EF40, downgraded to VF25 due to the marks, scratches, etc. This is the world of EAC early copper... AveMinus means he views it as below average for the condition/ variety.
Still a nice early copper, in the CC and good as long as you didn't pay AU money. I thought 45-40 but couldn't reduce it like he did based on your posted images.
EAC grading is tough! Even at EAC VF25 AveMinus this is a very appealing (and valuable) coin. Interestingly, the previous CQR (19th Ed, 2008) seems to list higher values than the last edition (20th Ed, 2011) for S-157. Maybe more examples have been found in the intervening years?
Jack, If I may ask, is there a process for submitting a coin for review by B. Noyes? I have an S-163 that I would dearly like his opinion on.
Eduard, there is a process listed in his CC of sending a note to Dan Demeo; as Dan and I are EAC friends I have sent him emails with images for his and Noyes' opinions.
Eduard, there may be a real opportunity for your S-163; I sent you a PM about it when you get a chance.