New pickup from this weekend. IMO, a bit of a weak strike but no apparent wear that I can see in hand. I actually think it's worth sending in this fall, as higher grade specimens seem to be hard to come by. Enjoy!
@stldanceartist Benjamin - I'm sending in a group to PCGS within the next two weeks if you want in on it. Let me know! (PM me).
@jester3681 - Thank you, but I'm going to wait for a piggyback sometime in August when funds are a bit more robust. I think, by that time, my arms and legs will have grown back enough to merit sending a couple to PCGS.
What do you guys think about possible grade? (I realize that grading from photos isn't always reliable)
If similar examples I've seen in hand are an indication, your coin actually looks better than the pictures. I love how these coins tone. Can't really venture a guess on a grade, but I agree with your assessment of weakish strike vs. actual wear for the most part. I do see some touches of lost surface luster on some of the high points in the reverse wreath, but certainly worth the chance of submitting it. Even if it comes back in the high AU range you should have no problem making a profit on this semi-key date.
I think it should be graded, though I'm not sure how much an AU is worth or unc. There's a bit of contact on cheek, perhaps at eyebrow/forehead. High points on 5 dis colored a bit like old abrasion. Not sure if this would merit AU though
I'm kind of a fan of an MS64 grade, really. Would make it second-highest grade (I think there is one MS65 each at NGC/PCGS.
Was thinking of doing a GTG with this one, as grades just posted on NGC - but @mlov43 and @jester3681 were already spot on - MS64. Now I'm thinking I need to send in the 1891 I just picked up, as it's noticeably better in hand than this 1917 was...
"Rappen" is German, in French it is "centimes", in Italian "centesimi", and in Rumansh "raps". That also explains why they just use digits for the denominations from 5 to 20 ct/rp. Christian
Ask and ye shall receive... Here are a couple sets of photos with slightly different lighting positions: I'll also tell you this: she SHINES in the light. Luster all over the place.