Grading Australian Florin

Wisco

I found a 1915 H Australian Florin while cleaning up a relatives estate. The condition is good enough to be EF or Au and it's a low mintage coin. I'm debating on getting it graded and wondering if there is enough collectors in the US to justify the cost to send it in. Take a look at the pics and please share your opinion. Thanks!

TomB

I'm sorry for your loss.

As for the Australian florin, the coin appears beautiful and original. There is currently one online in an NGC VF30 holder for around $325, but your coin is significantly nicer. However, I don't know the depth and vibrancy of the Australian coinage market. Regardless, I think it might be wise to have it certified if you intend to sell it one day. I do have one question, though, is that a seam or other damage below the date along the rim?

coinkat

Welcome.

I would rather handicap the grading outcome after seeing the coin in hand. I think EF45 seems reasonable… but May grade higher. I would do a quick check in the PCGS and NGC pop reports to assist with making the submission decision. If there are very few Uncirculated examples graded at both services, I would be more inclined to have this one graded as it does look original with what could be decent luster that could tip the scale into the AU spectrum.

I am not certain how strong the Aussie market is at this grade range. However, the coin will have greater liquidity in a slab. Please do not dip the coin as the originality should be a selling point. There seems to be a surface spot above the bird. Take a good look at it under a loupe as you might be able to remove that with a tooth pick. Good luck with the decision and let us know how it grades if you choose to submit.

Wisco

Well thank you for the insight on grading and the evaluation of the condition. It's an interesting strike where the obverse is a little weak, but the reverse is really crisp/ sharp. I agree that getting it slabbed will make it more of a sure thing for a collector. I collected US coins in the past and will evaluate the coin for gunk, but won't clean. I'd like to submit to PCGS via a coin shop and will follow up on the grade.

291fifth

Do collectors of these care about slabs? Do slabbed examples actually bring enough extra to justify the costs involved?

coinkat

These circulated and finding them at this state of preservation is not easy. Most are G To VG.

cladking

These things are tough above VG.

This one might clean up real pretty in olive oil but it's a huge risk because those black spots on the obverse might not and they'd be much more noticeable. This is a good one to leave alone or have done professionally. I'd call it an XF but expect a little below XF money.

It'll bring good money if you can find a buyer but this can be a very iffy proposition.

The Aussie market has never been strong but there's a solid core of collectors so finding a buyer is possible.

TomB

@cladking said:
These things are tough above VG.

This one might clean up real pretty in olive oil but it's a huge risk because those black spots on the obverse might not and they'd be much more noticeable. This is a good one to leave alone or have done professionally. I'd call it an XF but expect a little below XF money.

It'll bring good money if you can find a buyer but this can be a very iffy proposition.

The Aussie market has never been strong but there's a solid core of collectors so finding a buyer is possible.

Don't attempt to clean it. Leave it as-is and either sell it or save it.