An Auction Experience to Share – 3 new Braided Hair Large Cents (UPDATED PHOTOS)
Catbert
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Warning – Lots of Text*** (UPDATED to include more accurate photos by @robec that better capture their in-hand look)
I have always been a fan of early copper and perhaps unlike others, have found half cents and large cents to be compelling coins not only for their design evolution over time but also for their humble working man utilization. While I enjoy these coins, I don’t have the desire (presently at least) or the money to dive deeply into collecting the numerous varieties. So, when opportunities arise to add for type, I like to find nice examples within my budget.
When I became aware of Goldberg’s auction of Colonel Steve Ellsworth’s Braided Hair large cent collection, just such an opportunity presented itself. Braided Hair large cents are relatively inexpensive (especially in brown or red-brown), are not generally rare, and one can readily obtain a nice example for type.
Now to the auction. I did not have the opportunity to review the lots in advance, but the pictures were very clear. That said, the pics were not color accurate (lighter brown than the in-hand view) but I figured they weren’t going to be. Goldberg needs to step up their game!
I was only after one lot, the 1840 large date (N-7) shown below first. It’s a PCGS MS64 BR CAC and described as:
“Frosty medium brown. Sharply struck, one of the sharpest seen of this variety. Looks mint state but there is a hint of friction on the highest points of the devices. The only marks are a few nicks in the field under star 7. EDS, die state a, with repunching visible on the 8 and a fine diagonal die line from the lower junction of the hair buns. Our grade is AU58, tied for CC#5 of the variety and tied for CC#2 of those seen in the early die state….. Ex Henry T. Hettger, 2007 EAC Sale, McCawley & Grellman Auctions.”
UPDATE:
Note that the actual color is closer to the TV than the lighter auction pics. The TV is darker and slightly red emphasized (as I’ve experienced previously with other TVs). Gobrecht’s simple design is wonderfully presented in this “Petite Head” version with uncluttered fields as compared to the “Mature Head” of later years and the reverse larger letters cramping the design. I am very happy to own this coin!!
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Comments
Flush from my “victory” (I paid a little above CAC price guide), I decided to watch the rest of the auction and bought two more.
The 1854 N-3 looked to be a nice example of the “Mature Head” version. Selecting a MS64 BR version (that could qualify as a RB) is a good grade choice from a cost/value standpoint vs a higher grade example. This time, I feel the TV is pretty accurate to the in-hand view. In this case I paid close to CAC price guide but below auction estimates.
“Lustrous medium brown and steel with 15% of the original mint red showing, mostly on the reverse. Sharply struck and attractive. The only notable marks are a few small nicks on the face and a speck of dark toning midway between stars 7 & 8. EDS, die state a. Our grade is MS62, tied for CC#7 in the Grellman census…. Ex Henry T. Hettger, 2009 EAC Sale, McCawley & Grellman Auctions”
UPDATED PHOTO:
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Last lot win was an N-6 1852 AU55 CAC. This was a coin I did not need and will likely sell at some point. Yet, for just under $200 I thought “what the hey”. Once again the TV is way too dark and the coin is closer to the auction pic. Also, note there is a small planchet flaw on the reverse rim that seem much more prominent in the pics.
“Glossy medium brown and chocolate with traces of frost in protected areas on the reverse. Lightly worn on the highpoints with only trivial marks including a light nick high on the neck, a small spot of darker toning below star 9, and a nick at the end of the wreath stem. E-MDS, die state a. The die lines on the reverse are clear and fine die flowlines are starting to show from the dentil tips. Our grade is EF40….Ex Tom Reynolds 11/5/1989-J. R. Grellman, McCawley & Grellman Auctions.”
UPDATED PHOTO:
So, if you read this far, I thank you, my fellow coin geek. I hope you weren’t terribly bored and, if you don’t know already, one must interpret auction (and TV) photos or you may get surprised. If you have a favorite Braided Hair cent, please share in this thread.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Regarding paying CAC price guide, that is not always a good idea if the quality isn't there. My large cents aren't world beaters, but I think they are of good quality for what they are and so I was willing to pay at or near the guide in this case. There have been other times where I have paid much more than guide and have no regrets. Just my two additional cents!
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
I like them all.Congrats!
Whoa, nice ones! Those first 2 are keeps for sure!
Nice coins, congrats on the wins!
The difference between the auction photos and the TVs is quite dramatic. If I understood you correctly, the first two coins are closer to the TV, and the third is closer to the auction photos?
I think that you did very well, congrats on those additions.
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Yes, that an accurate summation. However, the TVs are just way too dark. Maybe that's just the way it is with copper. They are not a good representation to showcase my coins.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Those are both quite wholesome and very attractive!
Nice! Thanks for posting
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Beautiful coins. I love MS Large Cents. (Also known as EAC 55’s.)
Any coin connected to Tom Reynolds makes it more fun for me.
Great write up, sir - worth waiting for. And you already know I love those coins!
Very nice coins.
Very nice large cents.... Congratulations on some great acquisitions.... I have not done a large cent series... I have one or two that I picked up years ago... plus one that has been altered. I do like the large copper coins though... Cheers, RickO
UPDATED W/NEW PHOTOS.
As you know, coin photos do not always represent the true nature of what a coin looks like in-hand. Yes, when a coin is tilted or when lighting is incorrect, what you see isn't always what you get. I am particular about the my pics and am glad to have such a deft photographer who reflects in integrity like Bob.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
The new photos are fantastic!
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Great work by @robec! Especially the 1854.
First two coins are solid (didn't look at the third one) for the grade. FYI, I found out 20-5 years ago that the RB designation seems to unofficially in the 20-25% RD range. Had an 1820 N-13 PC MS 65 BN with the color of your coin and was told as much by a copper guy, so I did not resubmit it.
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