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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Publius2, post: 8229224, member: 105571&quot;]Wow! That&#039;s a fraught question.&nbsp; There are so many variables that might figure into a sensible answer.&nbsp; But here&#039;s a fundamental set of criteria for your consideration.&nbsp; And, I have included a photo of the example I bought for my type set.&nbsp; IIRC, this one cost me $350 at a local show.&nbsp; But here&#039;s a thought for you:&nbsp; Since it seems you haven&#039;t spent a lot of time researching this series, you might want to do so.&nbsp; The early coppers area is quite complicated and full of pitfalls.&nbsp; Your $900 budget won&#039;t put you in much jeopardy but I&#039;d prefer you were satisfied with your acquisition.</p><p><br /></p><p>Pick a coin that suits your eye.&nbsp; IOW, when you look at it, are you pleased or do you have reservations?&nbsp; There are so many really great coins available in the Braided Hair series that you should not have to settle for seconds or thirds.&nbsp; But you first have to know the difference.&nbsp; I suggest you review sales at Heritage Auctions, Bowers &amp; Morena, Legend Auctions to see examples of really great coins.&nbsp; Look at and understand the difference between a great coin and a &quot;meh&quot; coin.&nbsp; In other words, try to become a connoisseur to the extent that your time and interest allow.</p><p><br /></p><p>Large cents are relatively common in the braided hair varieties.&nbsp; You can afford to wait for a good one.&nbsp; With your budget you should be able to afford a nice MS-63 to MS-65 Brown coin.</p><p><br /></p><p>Strike is one issue.&nbsp; Some coins suffer from a weak strike.&nbsp; Discerning the difference between a weak strike and a tired die is problematic for someone who is not &quot;into&quot; the series.&nbsp; The only reason to accept a weak strike or a weak die in this series is if the die variety is rare.&nbsp; Since you&#039;re not buying a coin for the die variety, then you can go with the highest quality of strike and die wear available.&nbsp; Again, go with your gut - pick a coin that appeals to you.</p><p><br /></p><p>Stars are not the only criteria.&nbsp; Look at high-grade examples of the year and die variety you are interested in.&nbsp; See where the devices are fully struck up and where they are not.&nbsp; Compare the coin you might have an interest in against those very high-end coins.</p><p><br /></p><p>Do not buy a coin that is heavily &quot;red&quot; or &quot;red-brown&quot;.&nbsp; Not only will you pay a lot more for it, but you also risk it turning more brown in the slab.&nbsp; Unless you are fixated on the RB or R designation, you will be safer with a brown designation.</p><p><br /></p><p>Do not forget about color.&nbsp; While tastes vary, most people seem to prefer a milk-chocolate brown color.&nbsp; But be aware that other colors are acceptable and some are even as or more desireable, depending on other factors.&nbsp; See note below on the grading guide.</p><p><br /></p><p>I always recommend the books that will expand understanding and appreciation.&nbsp; In this case, I would say you would benefit from the &quot;Grading Guide for Early American Copper Coins&quot;.&nbsp; It is the quickest way to familiarize yourself with the standards and aesthetics of early copper.&nbsp; It may be available, maybe on Amazon or EBay.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>Good luck and have fun.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1446501[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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