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First Ever 'Old Copper' Purchase -- Thoughts?

P0CKETCHANGEP0CKETCHANGE Posts: 2,561 ✭✭✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum

I am approximately two-thirds of the way to completion of my basic US type set, and starting to get into the tougher stuff including old copper, early silver, seated and trade dollars. I've been looking at large cents semi-regularly for the past few months, and jumped on this example after considering it for a few days. Since old copper is a tougher area in numismatics, I am trying to learn more and all feedback/thoughts/praise/criticism is appreciated.

1837 PCGS MS63BN, Medium Letters
Purchased online from a dealer that specializes in colonials, pre-federals, half cents & large cents




I selected this particular example for a few reasons. I thought the surface quality looked good in the image (especially on the obverse). The strike seemed generally strong and even, and although definitely not perfect, it was often better than most of the CoinFacts examples, especially the star centers. Finally, it was within the budget I set for a large cent type and lined up with all the price guides, although I could have afforded a 65 if I went for a later-date braided hair.

Thoughts on the coin, and on my thought process in selecting it? I still need a half-cent type example so anything I can learn from this experience can and will be applied there.

Thanks all.

Nothing is as expensive as free money.

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Comments

  • Insider2Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭

    You did real good!

  • ilmcoinsilmcoins Posts: 525 ✭✭✭✭

    Excellent choice for sure!

  • KkathylKkathyl Posts: 3,762 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I like the die break line and the chocolate color it looks clean and well centered. The darker blackish will need watched but I like it

    Best place to buy !
    Bronze Associate member

  • JimnightJimnight Posts: 10,846 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Real nice coin!

  • divecchiadivecchia Posts: 6,647 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I think you did well. I like the strong and even strike on it.

    Congrats on your pickup. Donato

    Hobbyist & Collector (not an investor).
    Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set

    Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
  • koynekwestkoynekwest Posts: 10,048 ✭✭✭✭✭

    A beauty!

  • ChangeInHistoryChangeInHistory Posts: 3,045 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Very nice choice, I really like the surfaces.

  • SonorandesertratSonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭

    You did fine. Why do you think PCGS assigned a 63 grade?

    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • OuthaulOuthaul Posts: 7,440 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Cu not my thing, but THAT’S nice!

  • CoinJunkieCoinJunkie Posts: 8,772 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Attractive cent!

    My Roosevelt Dime Registry Set
  • P0CKETCHANGEP0CKETCHANGE Posts: 2,561 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Sonorandesertrat said:
    You did fine. Why do you think PCGS assigned a 63 grade?

    Hmm, a fairly prominent hit right on the cheek, along with one or two others on the obverse fields. On the reverse, a number of dings around 'ONE CENT' and on the leaf under the O in 'OF'. Some surface discoloration on the reverse.

    What do you think?

    Nothing is as expensive as free money.

  • SonorandesertratSonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭

    What do you think of its luster--is it cartwheel or satiny? This is very hard to assess from some images.

    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • OldIndianNutKaseOldIndianNutKase Posts: 2,700 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I think your coin is very much nicer than MS63. Perhaps it was net graded because of a very old dip and the color is slightly off?

    OINK

  • UnknownUnknown
    This content has been removed.
  • jedmjedm Posts: 3,034 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I like your motion jif or is it gif? I call it satin cartwheel luster. Very nice!

  • RABRAB Posts: 132 ✭✭✭✭

    Love the strike on this one!

    Roseanne Barrett I - CAC Morgan Dollar Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (Retired)

    Roseanne Barrett - CAC Basic Seated Liberty Type Set, Circulation Strikes

  • WildIdeaWildIdea Posts: 1,877 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I always like die cracks in the stars on any date. The color is attractive to me and the luster on the gif buttons it up.

    For just getting started I’d say your off to a great start. Collecting copper can be quite rewarding and addicting.

  • HydrantHydrant Posts: 7,773 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 3, 2020 8:35PM

    It's beautiful! The die crack is neat........How common is the nick on the cheek?........ Insider2?

  • jmski52jmski52 Posts: 22,897 ✭✭✭✭✭

    That's a nice Large Cent. Great choice!

    Q: Are You Printing Money? Bernanke: Not Literally

    I knew it would happen.
  • SSRSSR Posts: 235 ✭✭✭✭

    Love the surface.

    www.paradimecoins.com - Specializing in Top Pop Type PCGS CAC coins. Subscribe To Our NEWPs Mailing List

  • lkeigwinlkeigwin Posts: 16,892 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 3, 2020 9:45PM

    Wonderful! Good job.

    Looks like a CRO coin.
    Lance.

    Coin Photography Services / Everyman Registry set / BHNC #213
  • AotearoaAotearoa Posts: 1,490 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Drooling I am!

    Smitten with DBLCs.

  • 1630Boston1630Boston Posts: 13,786 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Very nice Cent :)

    Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb

    Bad transactions with : nobody to date

  • ZoinsZoins Posts: 34,291 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Beautiful looking coin! Love the cartwheel in the video!

    Private Mint News | 2010 Lincoln Reverse Finalists
  • Namvet69Namvet69 Posts: 9,010 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I love the RIDB on the obv. Nice. Peace Roy

    BST: endeavor1967, synchr, kliao, Outhaul, Donttellthewife, U1Chicago, ajaan, mCarney1173, SurfinHi, MWallace, Sandman70gt, mustanggt, Pittstate03, Lazybones, Walkerguy21D, coinandcurrency242 , thebigeng, Collectorcoins, JimTyler, USMarine6, Elkevvo, Coll3ctor, Yorkshireman, CUKevin, ranshdow, CoinHunter4, bennybravo, Centsearcher, braddick, Windycity, ZoidMeister, mirabela, JJM, RichURich, Bullsitter, jmski52, LukeMarshall, coinsarefun, MichaelDixon, NickPatton, ProfLiz, Twobitcollector,Jesbroken oih82w8, DCW

  • ironmanl63ironmanl63 Posts: 1,972 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 4, 2020 5:44AM

    I like it! One of the first coins I ever acquired was an 1837 large cent. Not nearly as nice as yours but I still have it.

  • oih82w8oih82w8 Posts: 12,246 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Very nice piece...if you like those uncirculated classics. No hate here, I just prefer coins that actually did thier job by circulating through commerce.

    oih82w8 = Oh I Hate To Wait _defectus patientia_aka...Dr. Defecto - Curator of RMO's

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  • johnny9434johnny9434 Posts: 28,410 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Nice pretty coin wtg

  • illini420illini420 Posts: 11,466 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Great looking coin for the grade, you did great for the first one!

    Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448

  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

    That is a very nice large cent.... Thanks for the excellent pictures and the video.....You did very well. Cheers, RickO

  • Insider2Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Sonorandesertrat said:
    You did fine. Why do you think PCGS assigned a 63 grade?

    I think it was only graded MS-63 because of the rub on the cheek (darker color) and especially due to the dark carbon spots on both sides.

  • shorecollshorecoll Posts: 5,445 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Wish my first large cent looked like that, or my last for that matter. :)

    ANA-LM, NBS, EAC
  • ThreeCentSilverFLThreeCentSilverFL Posts: 1,687 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Very nice surfaces

  • MikeInFLMikeInFL Posts: 10,188 ✭✭✭✭

    That coin looks nicer than a 63 and would have me asking the question: "What am I missing?"

    That asked, it appears to be a very nice coin. Congrats.

    Collector of Large Cents, US Type, and modern pocket change.
  • thefinnthefinn Posts: 2,656 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Beautiful coin. Now match up look and color with the rest of coins and you will be the envy of the neighborhood!

    thefinn
  • joeykoinsjoeykoins Posts: 16,209 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Excellent! Very good eye, dude. B)

    "Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!

    --- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
  • P0CKETCHANGEP0CKETCHANGE Posts: 2,561 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @BigMoose said:
    I believe this coin was commercially graded 63--there is clear rub on the face and the hair below LIBER. Also rub on the uppermost leaves on the reverse just left and right of 12 O'clock. So technically it's AU but it also has nice luster and surfaces with few marks--hence commercial MS 63.

    This comment is spot on — there is indeed light rub on the cheek. Thanks for the insight on commercial grading; that explains a lot.

    Nothing is as expensive as free money.

  • markelman1125markelman1125 Posts: 1,851 ✭✭✭✭✭

    WOW

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