1857 FE cent... Is it worth getting attributed?
sumdunce
Posts: 1,247 ✭✭✭✭
I picked this up a while back from an OCS, because I thought it might be the FS-401b. When I got it in hand the "O" in "OF" and the die crack on the back matched up to the TV examples of the 401b. If it did attribute as the 401b it would be 1/0 (currently in PCGS SM66 holder), but my luck on submissions has never been good. I also worry that it might get "lost" in transit.
What would you do?
Obverse:
Reverse:
"OF":
Die crack on reverse wreath:
0
Comments
Cut your risk and have it show graded at a major show if that is your only concern. I don't follow the market for this type of variety so I cannot say if there is sufficient demand to warrant such a designation on the holder.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
I had not thought about taking it to a show. Do they do attributions at shows? I was thinking about flying out to PCGS for a walk-through attribution. I am still leaning toward leaving it as is and just leaving the variety noted on my coin collection spreadsheet.
Beautiful FE Cent! I have both the 401a and the 401b actually... both in G-VG, but I cherried both of them!
It doesn't seem to be a huge premium in 65. Unfortunately the PCGS fees list says you CANNOT do variety attribution for show services.
"You can't get just one gun." "You can't get just one tattoo." "You can't get just one 1796 Draped Bust Large Cent."
Does anyone actually pay a premium for this variety? It strikes me as just another minor "who cares" variety of the type that seems to be hyped these days.
You already have a very good looking Flying Eagle Cent in PCGS plastic. Do you really need anything else?
unless something changed, the 57 obv of 56 always has commanded a premium from my experience. based on the pops, the B is lesser of value than the A. that rpd & obv 56 combo is a tough nut to crack.
as the potential top-pop, i say you have to go for it. there for sure aren't very many out there that care but it is a Snow variety attributed by pcgs in ms66.
is that a diagnostic crack down the middle of the eagle or pmd?
lovely coin and images.
depending on just how nice it is in-hand, i'd MAYBE try for a + first, then do the variety in a different sub. if you get the coin with the attribution and with or without the + AND a cac sticker, you'd have yourself a nice gold nugget there.
smart to keep in mind the risks of shipping in these times. depending on your situation, you could run some numbers on doing express shipping to and fro (some members here prefer slow and safe registered). find a way to document the variety and some values specifically if you do ship it, for the worst-case en route to pcgs. also look into some private insurance form known and reliable numismatic insurance providers.
let us know whatever happens.
It is a small scratch on the plastic holder. A similar scratch on the plastic is seen going across "NT" in "CENT."
I may travel with it to PCGS for attribution as work occasionally gets me within driving distance to Newport Beach.
It may take a while since I do not have any California travel scheduled at this time. If I can find some spare time, I may just travel on my own and see if I can get it attributed.
I'm not seeing it as something worth the trouble.
Getting it fully attributed, in an MS66 slab... and add a CAC sticker, I think you would have a gem that would bring back your investment and more should you decide to sell. Cheers, RickO