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Is this an O or a D?
dval2929
Posts: 42 ✭✭
So, I'm in a bit of a pickle here. I cracked out a straight-graded 1909-O from NGC and sent it to PCGS. It just arrived at PCGS and the Receiving Specialist sent me the following email: "unfortunately there is an issue we need to resolve before we can process your order. You listed line #1 as a 1909-O, however, we received a 1909-D."
I politely asked if they can get a second opinion. I'm not sure how their system works and if a grader adjudicated this already or if there is room for reconsideration. Clearly it's a big problem for me if my O is a D 
What do you all think? I know the mintmark is very weak here, but the upper left seems to indicate O to me.
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It kinda looks like an O. Its hard to tell ? I dunno
That is a big pickle.
I guess you had your reasons for cracking out a straight grade 1909-O half eagle that appears to be rather high grade and that might have a very weak mintmark, but that was gutsy. I wish you were able to supply better images, but we are where we are. My guess is that the central portion appears more like the interior of a D than it does of an O.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
The photos are a little dark, but I can see what PCGS said – from 1215 to about 3 o’clock it appears to be damaged. It’s not part of a smooth “O”,IMO.
There’s also a possibility that someone tried to alter the D into an O
Always show the entire coin, not just the spot you think is interesting.
I suggest sending the coin back to NGC ,along with their grading label (and if you have one, a picture of the previously holdered coin).
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Luckily I hung on to the holder/label and it has the NGC PhotoVision so if they were inclined they can verify without a doubt it's the same coin
Does anyone know the PCGS mechanics here? Like I assume the Receiving Specialist makes the call here and not a grader? I asked for a grader to give a second opinion, not sure if that's possible. Obviously if a PCGS grader makes the call with the coin in-hand there is nothing more to say really. I assume (but don't know for sure) that the receivers are very skilled but not quite graders with all the grading apparatus.
Always good to get your heart pumping on a Tuesday! Yes, it's a 5-figure swing from an O to D here. So big pickle is right.
Hopefully that will be enough to get the coin re-holdered, though their grading guarantee was voided when the coin was removed from the holder.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I don’t want to give you false hope but it looks like an O to me.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I agree with @MFeld that the NGC PhotoVision images appear to show a 1909-O and will add that these were the images that would have been better to look at from the beginning. Good luck!
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Looking at CoinFacts the O mint appears to be much more open on the inside than the D.
The OP coin would seem to be an altered D or a significantly damaged O.
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"To Be Esteemed Be Useful" - 1792 Birch Cent --- "I personally think we developed language because of our deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
With the complete photo of the reverse, as I enlarge it, I now tend to think there’s a good possibility. It’s just a damaged O and not a altered
D.
It almost looks hexagonal with the one side smudged out. That's a tough one even with the comparison images.
It looks like other Os I've seen, but that mintmark is often disappointing when you want the one $5 Indian from New Orleans to really have a bold standout O.
I think a strong-O coin should have a significant premium to the typical weak-O.
How many die pairs struck the 1909-O ?
Perhaps there is a small die scratch somewhere that would confirm a D or O mint ?
I once looked at a certified 1909-O (strong O) that had significant die polishing on the grooves around the tail feathers.
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