What grade is this and which do I keep?
Leeroybrown
Posts: 456 ✭✭✭✭✭
I have had come in my possession 2 of the same rare date/variety…. The 1842-O SLHD small date, reverse of 39 is one that I never thought that I would acquire at all, let alone two of them
But nonetheless, that is my current dilemma…
So… A couple questions for the group, as I am curious on everyone’s thoughts, and would love to have a lot of opinions on this one…
- Which one do I keep?
- What is the grade, quality of the nicer of the two?
- If I keep the nicer of the two… Do I put in my Dansco binder or do I send off for grading?
See pics below for reference:
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Comments
I greatly prefer the darker coin. the picture does not make it easy to see the coins detail but it is obvious the darker coin has more detail, looks to have that subtle under luster that can be revealed with a bright light. By my judgement that also gives the darker coin the better chance it has not been fooled around with too much. finally I would find the odd toning on the first coin distracting rather than attractive. just my opinion. james
Wow... I suppose lightning can strike twice! Tough coin... I'd definitely keep the nicer of the two and, personally, I'd send it to our hosts for authentication. With counterfeiters getting as good as they are on other pieces, it's only a matter of time before it happens here too... as far as grade, I'm on the fence between F and VF... I'll say F15...
Beautiful piece, and let us know what you decide... best of luck!
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Darker version by far as it pertains to eye appeal, even if details graded (surface porosity).
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
I'd keep the higher grade one.
What do you like and dislike about each coin for this to be a dilemma for you?
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Obviously I like the dark and crusty one much much better…
Low Grade:
+much cheaper investment
+still are super rare date regardless of details, quality
+hole filled in Dansco binder
-looks bad and stands out
Higher Grade:
+very rare looking like this
+looks really nice and crusty
+matches my set “look” and quality better
+probably will straight grade F12-15+
-much more cost invested per one coin
Only you can know whether it’s worth it to you to have a lot more money tied up in a much better coin.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
The higher grade example is definitely more eye appealing.
Collector of Capped Bust Halves, SLQ's, Commems, and random cool stuff! @davidv_numismatics on Instagram
The darker coin, even with its faults, beats the lighter and heavily worn coin by a wide margin. No contest.
Absolutely the darker and better detailed Half... sell the other one to offset the cost of the keeper.
Click on this link to see my ebay listings.
Keep the darker one. Send it in for grading.
Much more detail on the darker coin. A better representation of the coin in general. I'm not sure you'd get a straight grade on the lighter coin due to the major scratch.
The dark coin gets my vote due to the higher grade (better details).
I don't think I'd send it off. Surfaces look suspect (very granular, IMHO).
She would be at home in a Dansco.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Based on this write up, it doesn’t really sound like much of a contest. You say both that you like the darker coin far better and that it better matches the look of your set. To me, that says everything; it’s the keeper of the two.
We all seem to like the sharper coin. You may send the lesser one to me!
Go with the darker coin.