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1868 Shield 5 Cent

I had bought this coin a year or two back for $20. It looks like about XF possibly AU. This is the FS-903 the rev of 68 with 3 broken letters. The values on these vary SO MUCH. I understand on varieties that even though these are semi rare that demand maybe low. I ask because I am thinking of getting this graded. What do you all think? Is it worth the cost to have it graded?

Again sorry for the poor images on my scanner.

Big Tony from Texas! Cherrypicking fool!!!!!!

Comments

  • DRUNNERDRUNNER Posts: 3,902 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Thanks for the pic and opportunity to view!

    I would differ slightly on the condition of the coin. I like it as a nice, un-messed with version of a perfect Type coin. A very nice piece . . . but I believe you have one that is closer to VF-20/25 than the higher grades. Why? The overall loss of luster is indicative of VF . . and the horizontal obverse shield lines are much more complete on a true XF.

    As to the variety . . . not my bailiwick. Very possible and others here will render a more professional opinion. BUT . . .evaluate the variety and current sales . . . along the lines of "VF" . .and you won't go wrong.

    Much luck to you . . . .

    Drunner

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 36,924 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @DRUNNER said:
    Thanks for the pic and opportunity to view!

    I would differ slightly on the condition of the coin. I like it as a nice, un-messed with version of a perfect Type coin. A very nice piece . . . but I believe you have one that is closer to VF-20/25 than the higher grades. Why? The overall loss of luster is indicative of VF . . and the horizontal obverse shield lines are much more complete on a true XF.

    As to the variety . . . not my bailiwick. Very possible and others here will render a more professional opinion. BUT . . .evaluate the variety and current sales . . . along the lines of "VF" . .and you won't go wrong.

    Much luck to you . . . .

    Drunner

    agree with this. I assume there are more vertical shield lines than are visible.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, evn when irrefutably accurate.

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 36,924 ✭✭✭✭✭

    DO SOMETHING ABOUT THOSE STAPLES NOW

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, evn when irrefutably accurate.

  • dbldie55dbldie55 Posts: 7,742 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I just picked up a FS-904 as it was the last of the FS-901 - FS-906 that I needed. It is an interesting progression of the reverse die deteriorating.

    I will be sending mine in on my next raw submission.

    Collector and Researcher of Liberty Head Nickels. ANA LM-6053
  • goldengolden Posts: 10,004 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Looks more like vf.

  • 291fifth291fifth Posts: 24,710 ✭✭✭✭✭

    OK for a low value album type coin but no more. VF condition. Absolutely not worth grading. There are a huge number of Shield Nickel varieties but few really merit much of a premium. The question to ask sellers of varieties is "How much are you paying" not "What is the price".

    All glory is fleeting.
  • dbldie55dbldie55 Posts: 7,742 ✭✭✭✭✭

    The FS-903 is listed as 3% of the total mintage, around 87,000. The FS-901 seems to be common as dirt.

    Not sure how many collect circulated varieties, but this is a much rarer variety than many.

    Collector and Researcher of Liberty Head Nickels. ANA LM-6053
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

    At best, I would say VF30.....Good album coin...If you send it in, let us know the results. Cheers, RickO

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