UPDATE COIN BACK FROM CAC. Please Advise Me On Whether To Buy This Steel Cent

Walkerlover

I am interested in purchasing this steel penny but have only experience buying red Lincoln cents. Please advise me if this is a nice coin for the grade in your opinions, or if you see any issues or problems with the coin from the photos.
Coin is currently being auctioned Thanks to all who respond. Pictures are sellers.

IkesT

If it's being auctioned, you'll need to have the highest bid in order to purchase it.

Walkerlover

@IkesT said:
If it's being auctioned, you'll need to have the highest bid in order to purchase it.

How does your answer help. It doesn’t answer my question. Do you think it’s nice for the grade and what is it worth in your estimate

MWallace

They are not hard to find in that grade. Go to eBay, look at other 66's and compare quality. Then do an ebay search and look for "sold" examples for prices. At least that's what I often do.

cameonut2011

The photos suck. Unless you are seeing hints of an unattributed variety, there is never a need to take a chance on a coin like this. Then again, it is also inexpensive so if the price is right that advice may not matter as much.

cameonut2011

It looks average from the photos with the caveat that a lot can hide in those images.

gumby1234

I would want that coin only in a higher grade than that. I dont think 67's are tough to come by.

MFeld

Spotting is the most frequently seen issue on steel cents - even on examples graded higher than this one.

The one you posted looks like it might have one or two small spots near the obverse rim at 3:00. More noticeably, however, look at the spots to the left of the upper part of the right wheat stalk. See also on each side of the lower portion of the left wheat stalk as well as under the C in CENT, within the U in UNITED and above the upper-right part of the O in ONE.

These are very common coins and the spotting on this one makes it a quick and easy pass for me. That aside, buying a coin based on such subpar images is looking for trouble. There’s no good reason to take such an unnecessary risk.

Steven59

Pass - your eyes will always be drawn to the spots on the reverse.

PerryHall

Once it's been slabbed, will those spots continue to grow in size?

cameonut2011

I didn’t even zoom in close enough to pay attention to the reverse spotting. I agree with MFeld. Hard pass.

mark_dak

@MFeld said:
Spotting is the most frequently seen issue on steel cents - even on examples graded higher than this one.

The one you posted looks like it might have one or two small spots near the obverse rim at 3:00. More noticeably, however, look at the spots to the left of the upper part of the right wheat stalk. See also on each side of the lower portion of the left wheat stalk as well as under the C in CENT, within the U in UNITED and above the upper-right part of the O in ONE.

These are very common coins and the spotting on this one makes it a quick and easy pass for me. That aside, buying a coin based on such subpar images is looking for trouble. There’s no good reason to take such an unnecessary risk.

Now, that's helpful info...

Mark

BillJones

This one is PCGS graded MS-66, but I bought it over 20 years ago. I think that this one is better than one you are considering.

These coins are really too cheap to be slabbed. You usually have to pay more than it is worth to get one in the slab. I paid $25 for the coin above which was "big money" for it then. I think the catalog said it was worth $10 or $15.

The first photo shows a straight line running down from from Lincoln's cheek bone to his coat. If that line really is there, it would be an instant pass for me.

Walkerguy21D

I have a gem raw 43S plucked from an original roll displayed on black velvet at a show for $5 for my 7070 album. But like Bill, that was a long time ago.
But if the OP needs one in a slab, the going rate will be higher.

davewesen

obverse looks closer to 67 and the reverse looks closer to 65

a very nice type coin but there are probably hundreds/thousands equivalent or better including the D's and S's

Walkerlover

@MFeld said:
Spotting is the most frequently seen issue on steel cents - even on examples graded higher than this one.

The one you posted looks like it might have one or two small spots near the obverse rim at 3:00. More noticeably, however, look at the spots to the left of the upper part of the right wheat stalk. See also on each side of the lower portion of the left wheat stalk as well as under the C in CENT, within the U in UNITED and above the upper-right part of the O in ONE.

These are very common coins and the spotting on this one makes it a quick and easy pass for me. That aside, buying a coin based on such subpar images is looking for trouble. There’s no good reason to take such an unnecessary risk.

After receiving the coin in hand looking very good. Obverse no spots looks 66+ imho. Reverse looks very nice as well. Only spotting streak I see is to the left of top right wheat stalk not to distracting and a few shiny area that break the surface flow at the top above ONE. Posting my amateur I phone pics.

MFeld

I don’t think those pictures are nearly good enough for people to provide helpful feedback.

Walkerlover

I will retry than.

Manifest_Destiny

Spot on reverse - pass.

Walkerlover

@MFeld said:
I don’t think those pictures are nearly good enough for people to provide helpful feedback.

asheland

One thing it has going for it, that slab date to around 2008 to 2010. If there are no spots now, it’s probably very much stable.

I agree with the others, any spots and I would pass.

Russell12

mine...

coinbuf

The advice you received before you bought it was "spot" on, see what I did there. What you bought is a spotted coin, if you like that is fine but does not change what it is, hopefully it was not expensive.

derryb

If you like the coin, then I like the coin.

Goldbully

Here's my beloved toned 1943-S for comparison...........

---

MS66
TrueView

Walkerlover

@coinbuf said:
The advice you received before you bought it was "spot" on, see what I did there. What you bought is a low end spotted coin, hopefully it was not expensive.

But the coin is super clean MS 67+ surface on the obverse with no spots and great luster and in hand only minor distraction on the right wheat stalk not in a major eye focal point. Not in my opinion any worse than a small carbon spot and less noticeable as it is not black standing out. You are entitled to your opinion as I put the coin out there for discussion. But you are getting carried away. The photos do not do the coin justice.

MFeld

@Walkerlover said:

@coinbuf said:
The advice you received before you bought it was "spot" on, see what I did there. What you bought is a low end spotted coin, hopefully it was not expensive.

But the coin is super clean MS 67+ surface on the obverse with no spots and great luster and in hand only minor distraction on the right wheat stalk not in a major eye focal point. Not in my opinion any worse than a small carbon spot and less noticeable as it is not black standing out. You are entitled to your opinion as I put the coin out there for discussion. But you are carried away.

If the obverse has great luster, it doesn't show in your pictures. And what you refer to as an "only minor distraction" on the reverse would cause me to pass on the coin.

i don't think @coinbuf is any more carried away on the negative side than you are on the positive side. If you ask for feedback, be prepared for what you hear and try not to be defensive about it.

Walkerlover

@MFeld said:

@Walkerlover said:

@coinbuf said:
The advice you received before you bought it was "spot" on, see what I did there. What you bought is a low end spotted coin, hopefully it was not expensive.

But the coin is super clean MS 67+ surface on the obverse with no spots and great luster and in hand only minor distraction on the right wheat stalk not in a major eye focal point. Not in my opinion any worse than a small carbon spot and less noticeable as it is not black standing out. You are entitled to your opinion as I put the coin out there for discussion. But you are carried away.

If the obverse has great luster, it doesn't show in your pictures. And what you refer to as an "only minor distraction" on the reverse would cause me to pass on the coin.

i don't think @coinbuf is any more carried away on the negative side than you are on the positive side. If you ask for feedback, be prepared for what you hear and try not to be defensive about it.

I just felt Coinbuf was overly critical and negative. I am prepared for other opinions and do welcome them. It is just impossible for me to convey the in hand look in photos. I think most people would not be able to buy coins from pictures if they accepted every mark in a photo literally. Photos are absolutely no substitute for in hand inspection

MFeld

@Walkerlover said:

@MFeld said:

@Walkerlover said:

@coinbuf said:
The advice you received before you bought it was "spot" on, see what I did there. What you bought is a low end spotted coin, hopefully it was not expensive.

But the coin is super clean MS 67+ surface on the obverse with no spots and great luster and in hand only minor distraction on the right wheat stalk not in a major eye focal point. Not in my opinion any worse than a small carbon spot and less noticeable as it is not black standing out. You are entitled to your opinion as I put the coin out there for discussion. But you are carried away.

If the obverse has great luster, it doesn't show in your pictures. And what you refer to as an "only minor distraction" on the reverse would cause me to pass on the coin.

i don't think @coinbuf is any more carried away on the negative side than you are on the positive side. If you ask for feedback, be prepared for what you hear and try not to be defensive about it.

I just felt Coinbuf was overly critical and negative. I am prepared for other opinions and do welcome them. It is just impossible for me to convey the in hand look in photos. I think most people would not be able to buy coins from pictures if they accepted every mark in a photo literally. Photos are absolutely no substitute for in hand inspection

All we can do is provide feedback based on what we see. Some coins look much better than their mages, while others look much worse.

RLSnapper

@Walkerlover all that matters is if you like it. Let the haters hate....it's all good.

Walkerlover

@MFeld said:

@Walkerlover said:

@MFeld said:

@Walkerlover said:

@coinbuf said:
The advice you received before you bought it was "spot" on, see what I did there. What you bought is a low end spotted coin, hopefully it was not expensive.

But the coin is super clean MS 67+ surface on the obverse with no spots and great luster and in hand only minor distraction on the right wheat stalk not in a major eye focal point. Not in my opinion any worse than a small carbon spot and less noticeable as it is not black standing out. You are entitled to your opinion as I put the coin out there for discussion. But you are carried away.

If the obverse has great luster, it doesn't show in your pictures. And what you refer to as an "only minor distraction" on the reverse would cause me to pass on the coin.

i don't think @coinbuf is any more carried away on the negative side than you are on the positive side. If you ask for feedback, be prepared for what you hear and try not to be defensive about it.

I just felt Coinbuf was overly critical and negative. I am prepared for other opinions and do welcome them. It is just impossible for me to convey the in hand look in photos. I think most people would not be able to buy coins from pictures if they accepted every mark in a photo literally. Photos are absolutely no substitute for in hand inspection

All we can do is provide feedback based on what we see. Some coins look much better than their mages, while others look much worse.

Yes I agree with that. Coinbuf called my coin a piece of low end junk so I took offense and felt bad.

steve76020

i bought an uncirculated raw not as nice as yours but close probably a 63 or 64 and i paid $3.95 for it on ebay but as for price your gonna pay for grading and what its worth to you as oppossed to the next guy and how bad he wants it

coinbuf

@Walkerlover said:

@coinbuf said:
The advice you received before you bought it was "spot" on, see what I did there. What you bought is a low end spotted coin, hopefully it was not expensive.

But the coin is super clean MS 67+ surface on the obverse with no spots and great luster and in hand only minor distraction on the right wheat stalk not in a major eye focal point. Not in my opinion any worse than a small carbon spot and less noticeable as it is not black standing out. You are entitled to your opinion as I put the coin out there for discussion. But you are getting carried away. The photos do not do the coin justice.

I guess honesty is not the best policy for you. I did not call your coin junk, however, I do not think it would pass at CAC, so yes I think it falls in the lower end of the grade due to the spots. That may be negative or carried away to you but that is just my honest no frills assessment of what I see in all of the photos you have provided. As you said you placed the coin out for discussion and the majority of the comments before you bought it said the coin has spots and suggested you pass. Those spots have not disappeared just because you now own it. If you like the coin that is great and I'm happy for you, but it doesn't change the fact that appear to be multiple spots on this coin.

originalisbest

I'm not as picky as coinbuf and Mark are about this coin; I consider it pretty acceptable at the grade level and wouldn't mind owning it at the going rate. As Bill and others have said, these are very common coins and if you feel really enticed by the thought of an even better one, look around and get one more, compare the two and keep that which you like better, chuck the other back up on eBay.

With all coins there are some problems that matter a great deal for some, and don't even come up on the radar for others. In one of your images, the spots on the right wheat stalk area are distracting to me, but in others I consider them there, but acceptable. An example of a 66 steelie that I'd find unacceptable would be an unfortunately placed tick on the portrait or the rim, a small water spot near the date, etc. etc. -- or especially remnants of a partial fingerprint. Not that one would expect such on a slabbed 66, but stranger things have happened.

Enjoy the coin as-is; I like it!

FlyingAl

@Walkerlover

It seems you’ve already made up your mind on this one - evidently you think it’s nice for the grade and what you want.

That’s all that matters. Be happy with the coin, and no need to argue every opposing viewpoint.

originalisbest

I disagree with the notion that this example is a "low-end spotted coin" -- it's a subtle distinction but on the continuum of all slabbed (and raw) steelies, I find this to be perfectly acceptable and average to decent quality at the 66 level. If it were MORE spot and mark free and had even MORE blazing luster, well then, that's what 67, 68 and 69 are around for. I'm giving @Walkerlover a break for defending his coin here; it takes all kinds to appreciate and/or denigrate a given piece.

Eighteen63

Here we go again. EVERY dang coin this guy purchases leads to a thread exactly like this where he disputes PCGS grading and contests opinions from vastly more experienced collectors.
EVERY.DARN.TIME

11 days ago @Walkerlover ”I am interested in purchasing this steel penny but have only experience buying red Lincoln cents.”

Then @ 8:13 today @Walkerlover “Obverse no spots looks 66+ imho.”

And then - 63 minutes later @Walkerlover “But the coin is super clean MS 67+ surface on the obverse…”

Give him an hour, it’ll be a 68 and worthy of a gold bean.

originalisbest

So it seems like people are piling on moreso Walkerlover, than the coin in question? So be it, I don't know him/her and don't need to get into a pissing match one way or the other. Rather, I think Walkerlover is defending the coin as decent for the 66 grade, unlike some who view it as "low end and spotted" -- which it may be objectively (it has spots) but it is not, in my view, low-end at the 66 level. It's perfectly fine for what it is.

All this over a slabbed steelie?

messydesk

I see the spots on the reverse in one of the pictures. That's a deal breaker for me. Were I to look at it in hand and have more information about the coin's appearance, I'd tip it and twirl it in the light, probably admire the flashy luster, eventually still see the spot, and then put it down and pass.

Walkerlover

@Eighteen63 said:
Here we go again. EVERY dang coin this guy purchases leads to a thread exactly like this where he disputes PCGS grading and contests opinions from vastly more experienced collectors.
EVERY.DARN.TIME

11 days ago @Walkerlover ”I am interested in purchasing this steel penny but have only experience buying red Lincoln cents.”

Then @ 8:13 today @Walkerlover “Obverse no spots looks 66+ imho.”

And then - 63 minutes later @Walkerlover “But the coin is super clean MS 67+ surface on the obverse…”

Give him an hour, it’ll be a 68 and worthy of a gold bean.

Without seeing the coin in hand you and everyone else is piling on me over not the even best clearest posted photos and no true-view. You can’t even consider that what I am telling you seeing the coin in hand is more true than the photos you are looking at and not giving me the benefit of the doubt, so I am rightfully defending myself from overly harsh criticism

I am not disputing PCGS grading per se. the fact is this coin is in an older holder and is super clean for the grade. If you see any flaws on the obverse especially or even reverse POINT THEM OUT FOR THIS CROWD This coin could certainly be undergraded.

I am very proud and super pleased with this purchase. And yes I am sending it to CAC because I do that with all my coins. And no I am not saying it will gold sticker but it would not surprise me and nothing would give me more pleasure than to get a gold sticker to silence you and your attitude and hostility.
I don’t mind criticism of my coin but not this all out attack like this coin is way unattractive heavily spotted and overgraded.

CoinBuf even thinks no green sticker. Well I am saying right here and now that I would bet him my $50! to his $25 that the coin at least green stickers, let him step up to the plate and play.

VanHalen

The piece looks correctly graded in these images. Any 66 should be a very nice looking coin and this coin is attractive. Where it falls in the spectrum of 66s is impossible to say but a green sticker would not surprise.

Walkerlover

@FlyingAl said:
@Walkerlover

@messydesk said:
I see the spots on the reverse in one of the pictures. That's a deal breaker for me. Were I to look at it in hand and have more information about the coin's appearance, I'd tip it and twirl it in the light, probably admire the flashy luster, eventually still see the spot, and then put it down and pass.

This is spotted no comparison to my coin.

dollarfan

What is the value of this coin, if it was low-end 66 versus high end 66?

PeakRarities

@dollarfan said:
What is the value of this coin, if it was low-end 66 versus high end 66?

dollarfan

Just based on the value of this coin I'd say it is not worth getting anything bunched up over. If someone asks for an opinion, then gets an opinion, then disregards the opinion, then gets frustrated over the opinion makes no good sense. If the owner of any coin is happy with it then that is all that matters.

MFeld

@Walkerlover said:

@FlyingAl said:
@Walkerlover

@messydesk said:
I see the spots on the reverse in one of the pictures. That's a deal breaker for me. Were I to look at it in hand and have more information about the coin's appearance, I'd tip it and twirl it in the light, probably admire the flashy luster, eventually still see the spot, and then put it down and pass.

This is spotted no comparison to my coin.

My guess is that the coin didn’t look like that at the time it was encapsulated. Either way, as is, I think most buyers would be unhappy with it. I’m sure you could find other undesirable ones if you look around, but that won’t change the appearance of yours.

You wrote “Without seeing the coin in hand you and everyone else is piling on me over not the even best clearest posted photos and no true-view. You can’t even consider that what I am telling you seeing the coin in hand is more true than the photos you are looking at and not giving me the benefit of the doubt, so I am rightfully defending myself from overly harsh criticism.”

You’re asking about posters giving you “the benefit of the doubt” that your coin looks nicer in hand than in the photos you’ve posted. If it does and you’re happy with it, what’s the point of soliciting feedback that causes you to feel a need to defend yourself? Why put yourself through that?

Walkerlover

@MFeld said:

@Walkerlover said:

@FlyingAl said:
@Walkerlover

@messydesk said:
I see the spots on the reverse in one of the pictures. That's a deal breaker for me. Were I to look at it in hand and have more information about the coin's appearance, I'd tip it and twirl it in the light, probably admire the flashy luster, eventually still see the spot, and then put it down and pass.

This is spotted no comparison to my coin.

My guess is that the coin didn’t look like that at the time it was encapsulated. Either way, as is, I think most buyers would be unhappy with it. I’m sure you could find other undesirable ones if you look around, but that won’t change the appearance of yours.

You wrote “Without seeing the coin in hand you and everyone else is piling on me over not the even best clearest posted photos and no true-view. You can’t even consider that what I am telling you seeing the coin in hand is more true than the photos you are looking at and not giving me the benefit of the doubt, so I am rightfully defending myself from overly harsh criticism.”

You’re asking about posters giving you “the benefit of the doubt” that your coin looks nicer in hand than in the photos you’ve posted. If it does and you’re happy with it, what’s the point of soliciting feedback that causes you to feel a need to defend yourself? Why put yourself through that?

Okay I am done. I just didn’t expect the very strong negative feedback. No worries I will post maybe after CAC. I appreciate your advice, at least you were open minded even though you had your issues with the coin, to the possibilities that the photos were maybe not representative of the true quality. Thanks

MFeld

@Walkerlover said:

@MFeld said:

@Walkerlover said:

@FlyingAl said:
@Walkerlover

@messydesk said:
I see the spots on the reverse in one of the pictures. That's a deal breaker for me. Were I to look at it in hand and have more information about the coin's appearance, I'd tip it and twirl it in the light, probably admire the flashy luster, eventually still see the spot, and then put it down and pass.

This is spotted no comparison to my coin.

My guess is that the coin didn’t look like that at the time it was encapsulated. Either way, as is, I think most buyers would be unhappy with it. I’m sure you could find other undesirable ones if you look around, but that won’t change the appearance of yours.

You wrote “Without seeing the coin in hand you and everyone else is piling on me over not the even best clearest posted photos and no true-view. You can’t even consider that what I am telling you seeing the coin in hand is more true than the photos you are looking at and not giving me the benefit of the doubt, so I am rightfully defending myself from overly harsh criticism.”

You’re asking about posters giving you “the benefit of the doubt” that your coin looks nicer in hand than in the photos you’ve posted. If it does and you’re happy with it, what’s the point of soliciting feedback that causes you to feel a need to defend yourself? Why put yourself through that?

Okay I am done. I just didn’t expect the very strong negative feedback. No worries I will post maybe after CAC. I appreciate your advice, at least you were open minded even though you had your issues with the coin, to the possibilities that the photos were maybe not representative of the true quality. Thanks

Best of luck and above all, enjoy your coin.

Walkerlover

@MFeld said:

@Walkerlover said:

@MFeld said:

@Walkerlover said:

@FlyingAl said:
@Walkerlover

@messydesk said:
I see the spots on the reverse in one of the pictures. That's a deal breaker for me. Were I to look at it in hand and have more information about the coin's appearance, I'd tip it and twirl it in the light, probably admire the flashy luster, eventually still see the spot, and then put it down and pass.

This is spotted no comparison to my coin.

My guess is that the coin didn’t look like that at the time it was encapsulated. Either way, as is, I think most buyers would be unhappy with it. I’m sure you could find other undesirable ones if you look around, but that won’t change the appearance of yours.

You wrote “Without seeing the coin in hand you and everyone else is piling on me over not the even best clearest posted photos and no true-view. You can’t even consider that what I am telling you seeing the coin in hand is more true than the photos you are looking at and not giving me the benefit of the doubt, so I am rightfully defending myself from overly harsh criticism.”

You’re asking about posters giving you “the benefit of the doubt” that your coin looks nicer in hand than in the photos you’ve posted. If it does and you’re happy with it, what’s the point of soliciting feedback that causes you to feel a need to defend yourself? Why put yourself through that?

Okay I am done. I just didn’t expect the very strong negative feedback. No worries I will post maybe after CAC. I appreciate your advice, at least you were open minded even though you had your issues with the coin, to the possibilities that the photos were maybe not representative of the true quality. Thanks

Best of luck and above all, enjoy your coin.

TY

Walkerlover

I guess honesty is not the best policy for you. I did not call your coin junk, however, I do not think it would pass at CAC, so yes I think it falls in the lower end of the grade due to the spots. That may be negative or carried away to you but that is just my honest no frills assessment of what I see in all of the photos you have provided. As you said you placed the coin out for discussion and the majority of the comments before you bought it said the coin has spots and suggested you pass. Those spots have not disappeared just because you now own it. If you like the coin that is great and I'm happy for you, but it doesn't change the fact that appear to be multiple spots on this coin.

Just received the results from CAC today Coin Buf and the coin passed despite your thinking it would not. It does not have multiple spots as the photo images are deceiving, only one spot by the upper right wheat stalk. To my eye it’s on the reverse of the coin and not very distracting in hand. If it were red copper and had black I would pass as that would stand out to much. Positively the luster is great and the surfaces are so very clean and bright for a 66 looks like a 67. I am very happy 😃.

jayPem

I bought this coin for $55, I think it's worth $65 even with the spots (and no CAC sticker)

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