I've got 2 references for these coins, Newcomb's book and Grellman's book. But I still have problems ID'ing some of the Newcomb varieties. Is there another reference OR do we have an expert here that can help me with this?
Here is a web site on large cents. I do not know if varieties you are asking about is included: http://www.jakesmp.net/BUY_prices/coin_info/002_Coin_info_large_cents_C.html
Grellman is the best reference for these. They do that a fair amount of experience/practice and it really helps i you have better condition coins. Coins less than VF can be VERY hard to attribute.
Thanks. I suspected Grellman was the best. The good news is that all my coins are VF or better -- mostly better. But even with a 9x loupe I'm having difficulty. Some of the diagnostics are almost fly speck in size.
Okay, solved one problem. Grellman uses the terms "petite head" and "mature head" but doesn't give a definition for each. After about a half hour of online research I think I've got it. petite head - 1839 to early 1843 (bust ends over the 8) mature head - 1843 through 1857 (bust ends over the 1)
Here is a Petite head on Collectors Corner. I am looking for a Mature Head example 1843 1C N-15 Petite Head Sm Lt MS66BN PCGS (click for full-size image) Price: Grade: MS66BN Quantity: 1 PCGS Coin #: 405946 Last Update: 4/20/2017 Dealer: (Legend Rare Coin Auctions Auction: The Regency Auction XXI - May 18, 2017 Auction Date: 5/18/2017 - 5/18/2017 Lot Number: 99 Show/Booth: Central States / 1900
Well, I'm finding one problem. Some of these coins have 20 or more varieties and it's anything but trivial determine the particular one. It's taking more work than I'm willing to expend at this time. A later task.
LESSONS LEARNED (so far): 1. As I said determining the Newcomb Number on some of these requires a considerable effort. 2. All my coins are slabbed BUT many have debris caked in areas that I need to see to look for variety attribution. NCS could solve that BUT the value of the coins does NOT merit the cost of conserving/attributing/reslabbing them. 3. My 9x and 10x loupes just don't have enough "oomph" to see many of the PUP's for variety attribution. I need a stereo (dissecting?) microscope to get me into the 20x to 60x magnification range. The cost of such a microscope is probably not merited by my limited need. 4. While looking for PUP's I've found that many of the slabs need to be polished. Lots of scratches and rubs. So before I go through the imaging process I'll have to take the time (and elbow grease) to clean them up. An annoying but necessary procedure. That's 33 slabs (66 sides).
