Advice On A New Fugio Cent Acquisition

hbarbee

I would appreciate some advice on a Fugio Cent that I just added to my collection. I purchased it from a very well respected EAC dealer in Austin at what I think was a reasonable price. It is Variety 11-X and Rarity 3.

I am not a big fan of non-PCGS holders. As a matter of fact, this is the only coin in my collection that is not PCGS except for the lower value pieces that are not worth grading.

In hand this coin’s strike, luster and eye appeal are well worth the MS65BN grade in my opinion. The lamination is frankly in a perfect position as it does not obscure devices and actually appears as if it is a shadow from the sun dial.

My questions are as follows as I would like to get it in PCGS and get rid of the Mint Error designation. The vast majority of Fugios have some degree of planchet flaws and many of them ruin the visual appeal of the coin regardless of the grade, but I do not think this one does.

1) Which of the grading options would you recommend as a first pass? I was thinking of the “crossover to current grade” method so the MS65BN is not lost and I know it would never grade higher.
2) If it would cross to current grade, would PCGS remove the mint error designation if asked nicely? Even though lamination is considered a mint error, I do not consider it appropriate for this coin.

NewEnglandRarities

Many graded Fugios have the dreaded “planchet flaw” or “lamination” label. This particular lamination is completely natural and looked that way the day it was struck!

With that said, I believe PCGS has graded planchet flaw coins as straight grade for series like Fugios more in line with forgiveness towards the natural planchets.

This is a pretty big lamination/planchet flaw and it may be looked at as a detriment for the grade level, as you probably know, Fugios are pricy at this grade level.

With that said, I can see the coin straight grading today, but I will say, maybe not at the 65 level. So there is maybe a conundrum there, but a 63 straight grade may be just as good as a 65 lamination holder.

NewEnglandRarities

Adding that it is a beautiful original example and about as nice of a strike and eye appealing surface as these come in this level. Often times I find myself more attracted to examples leaning to brown than mint red from the Bank of NY hoard. Many of the redder ones seem to not have the same eye appeal as the smooth brown ones!

NeophyteNumismatist

I love it and don't mind the planchet flaw at all!

I would call PCGS, but I think they would remove the mint error designation. Personally, I would "crossover to current grade" - I would not gamble it.

jmlanzaf

Planchet flaws are common and won't hold it back. I've been looking for an AU or better for 5 years but haven't bought one because I want a full strike and no planchet flaws and they are nearly impossible to find.

That's a nice coin. 🎊

Namvet69

What a treat to see this coin.

291fifth

It is in a major brand holder with a very high grade. Leave it as is. Accept the fact that is not a PCGS holder.

PerryHall

@291fifth said:
It is in a major brand holder with a very high grade. Leave it as is. Accept the fact that is not a PCGS holder.

I think it looks fine in its current slab. I've never been a slave to any particular brand of slab.

CoinRaritiesOnline

@hbarbee said:
The vast majority of Fugios have some degree of planchet flaws and many of them ruin the visual appeal of the coin regardless of the grade, but I do not think this one does.

Many Fugios do have planchet flaws and laminations, but that's not the case for coins graded MS65 (or higher) at PCGS. They tend to be pretty picky at that level.

1) Which of the grading options would you recommend as a first pass? I was thinking of the “crossover to current grade” method so the MS65BN is not lost and I know it would never grade higher.

You can certainly try that, but I think it's very, very unlikely to cross as a 65.

2) If it would cross to current grade, would PCGS remove the mint error designation if asked nicely?

No.

IMO it is possible this coin could be straight graded at PCGS, but they would net for the flaw and I think you'd be looking at a grade of 63 BN.