1811/0 Large Cent s-268

Matthew21

Wanted to see what y’all thought about this one looks better than the other one with the big scratches. They are asking $249

Walkerguy21D

I would rather see classic head cents like this, low grade, but nice surfaces and no major issues. I bought it for $100 from a ‘sheet’ dealer at a small show. I’ve been wanting to upgrade it for a few years, but the right coin and price hasn’t crossed my path yet. But frankly, a date and major variety run of classic head cents that looked like this, built on a budget, would be a nice accomplishment, and I for one would be impressed.

If you still desire meatier coins but with issues, this was in a third world environmental damage holder. A wholesaler flipped it to me for $250 (actual net cost was 0, but that’s a story for another time). I think it could straight grade at the majors on a lucky day, and at a minimum there are plenty of Dansco type set guys wanting a coin like this at a reasonable price.

It's your collection, and your money, and spend it as you wish of course, but since you're asking for input, I'm trying to help. Look longer term - will you be happy with coins like this next year, or in 5 years? And who would you sell it to? I realize it's tougher these days, especially shopping on eBay, where a certain dealership has more or less monopolized many of the 'collector grade' earlier large cents, and is ransoming them for moon money. But keep studying and be patient, the right coins will come along, even for folks on a more restrictive budget. It may not be today, tomorrow, or next week, but you will find them.

JimW

@Walkerguy21D said:
I realize it's tougher these days, especially shopping on eBay, where a certain dealership has more or less monopolized many of the 'collector grade' earlier large cents, and is ransoming them for moon money.

Good to see I am not the only one of this opinion

lkenefic

@JimW said:

@Walkerguy21D said:
I realize it's tougher these days, especially shopping on eBay, where a certain dealership has more or less monopolized many of the 'collector grade' earlier large cents, and is ransoming them for moon money.

Good to see I am not the only one of this opinion

That's probably why I've been looking at Classic Head LC's for well over a year and still haven't found anything I like at a price-point I'm comfortable with.

Walkerguy21D

@JimW said:

@Walkerguy21D said:
I realize it's tougher these days, especially shopping on eBay, where a certain dealership has more or less monopolized many of the 'collector grade' earlier large cents, and is ransoming them for moon money.

Good to see I am not the only one of this opinion

I don't know if it's because his son is now more heavily involved or what....I keep thinking maybe if they start having some financial difficulties, they will lower prices to move some coins. I think they are listing over 4000 large cents now, and it looked like many are earlier dates. I still have their old catalogs, which may have had a hundred large cents, if that.
Or, maybe I'm out of touch and these are the new price levels? If so, it might be time to sell MY holdings LOL!

ricko

I would always recommend getting problem free coins if possible....I am not referring to wear (unless extreme), but rather corrosion or scratches/defacement. In the long run, you will not be happy with such coins, and they will be difficult to sell. Cheers, RickO

DRUNNER

I agree with Ricko's comments, which would be similar for most of the established numismatists here. Quality and problem-free are the buzzwords.

But . . . as we know, the Classic Cent is plagued by unique problems. The majority of these planchets came across the ocean in the bilge of three-masted sailing ships that used them for ballast. Those old boats were not exactly watertight, and usually the kegs of planchets along the keel just sat in 3 feet of salty ocean water. They got here and we just pounded them out for commerce in a fledgling country. Crust, rust, and In God We Trust . . . . even fresh off the press they may not have certified due to environmental issues.

I enjoy the Classic Cents. It is fun to find one 'in the raw' that will certify with our hosts. I have been quietly putting away a few. My best from a 'budget' perspective have been 2 VF-20s . . . but my routine is to get G4-VG8s. Not really worth slabbing, but I don't care. For me the game is to see if I can get a smooth enough coin to get a grade . . .

A great series. Want to see what a guy has done with a 7070? Look at his Classic Large Cent . . . . .

Drunner

JimW

@Walkerguy21D said:

@JimW said:

@Walkerguy21D said:
I realize it's tougher these days, especially shopping on eBay, where a certain dealership has more or less monopolized many of the 'collector grade' earlier large cents, and is ransoming them for moon money.

Good to see I am not the only one of this opinion

I don't know if it's because his son is now more heavily involved or what....I keep thinking maybe if they start having some financial difficulties, they will lower prices to move some coins. I think they are listing over 4000 large cents now, and it looked like many are earlier dates. I still have their old catalogs, which may have had a hundred large cents, if that.
Or, maybe I'm out of touch and these are the new price levels? If so, it might be time to sell MY holdings LOL!

That has been my thinking as well - I've had interest in some of their offerings (not at the price listed) and they just sit there for months/years at the same price without selling. I've made offers at fair prices (based on similar coins prices realized elsewhere), but no dice. Does the dam have to break at some point? Seems like a lot inventory to sit on...