Okay - so they got one right. Lets revisit(or not) and compare to this 1799 Large Cent. I am neither pro-CAC nor anti-CAC - I just would not buy a coin sight unseen just because it was tpg and cac graded. I understand the why's and hows of the 1799 cent - I just disagree with it. I would be disappointed if I bought that coin site unseen - which is what CAC is suppose to facillitate. As far as early copper I think overall CAC does fine - I don't agree with all of them(based off pictures mostly), but think they do pretty good. Again based off pictures might not be the same as in hand - could change my mind. The problem with early copper is when will the coin take a hit based off the surface spots with CAC - I could I have seen were questionable in my mind. And who knows I have some nice IHC's I might send in one day to CAC. Plus I don't think the average CAC coin should bring a premium - some certainly should because of the coin itself.
I started a thread 6 months ago when I first "joined" CAC. Since that time I have a lot more experience with CAC. As a collector/submitter I have sent them several assortments. I am only charged $10 per sticker - coins not measuring up are returned no charge except postage. The more CAC'd coins I get the more I understand their standards. They have been very strict but also fair and consistant. Coins that qualify are truly standouts. My Lincoln wheat collection now contains 57 stickerred slabs. On average I have found my percentage stickerred has increased dramatically. My initial submission returned 9 of 37; my last returned 18 of 27. As to value, CAC'd coins consistantly return 20% to 30% more when sold by Heritage and Teletrade. I often take stickerred slabs to coin shows for trading purposes and the demand for them is dramaticly greater than non-stickerred. I say all this NOT to start an argument but to bring emperical, varified personal experience to this forum. I find that - for me - value both financial and aesthetic far outweighs the cost.
I thought it was a trick question ("Does it look like a solid 65 RB?") and that you were going to surprise us with an unexpected answer! Seriously, though, copper experts enlighten me: what's keeping this from 66? This is as nice as many 66 Braided Hairs I've seen (mostly online). The fields are immaculate; just a few dings on the leaves, essentially.
The only thing I can see is the weak strike in areas. There could be some hits that we can not see in the pictures. Plus I would like to see the luster in person - just not sure Mike would ship it to me.
I can see where CAC may be beneficial for big ticket coins over say $500-$1000 but for less valuable coins why waste your money. I buy coins I like and not just bc they have the green bean. Sure the fellow who pays big bucks for a 1909-O $5 Indian in MS 65 is going to want a CAC coin but I see no use for CAC on a $40 coin.
I can't see anything holding this coin back, frankly. However, it is worth noting that that PCGS rarely, if ever, awards Braided Hair Large Cents the grade of 66RB. IIRC, they only have graded a handful of coins this grade...Mike p.s. Mark, If you are coming to FUN in January, I'll show it to you (or anyone else interested).
Well, this is certainly a more reasonable statement than CAC is a gimmick(your original statement). For a forty dollar coin, you shouldn't be using CAC and in many cases a TPG may not be justified.
Mike, I've been looking for an excuse to get to FUN.:thumb: that large cent's a beauty, no matter the grade.
I've certainly noticed this, particularly in the pops that Heritage publishes in its listings. I have to admit, though this might sound silly, I much prefer to look at copper against the white of NGC holders. Wish I could make it to FUN this Jan., especially given our cold Michigan winters, but it's not going to happen.
I wish I could make it. But nooo - work has to send me north in January and February. Sigh. But feel free to PM me for my address.
