1869 Proof 2 cent. Need opinions!

ksteelheader

My dealer has this PCGS holdered 1869 proof 2 cent piece. We need opinions on what you think the grade should be!!!...Ken
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Russ

I'm not sure about the grade, but it sure looks like it's turned in the holder. Is this one recently graded?

Russ, NCNE

ksteelheader

Its in the very oldest PCGS holder!!!!....Ken

Russ

Ken,

I could be wrong, but I think that one is a copper guarantee candidate.

Russ, NCNE

BillJones

It's almost impossible to grade exactly a decent Proof from a picture. I'd say PR-64 or 65, Brown. The light spot is a patch of brassy alloy, which is common on two cent pieces. The color looks to be pleasant, but it will just maintain the value, not add anything to it. There does not appear to be any bad black spots or scratches. The point grade depends upon the Proof luster.

airplanenut

<< <i>I'm not sure about the grade, but it sure looks like it's turned in the holder. Is this one recently graded? >>

You can see that the surrounding ring is clear... not new

I personally don't find it all too attractive... maybe a 61 or 62BN

Russ

Bill,

What about the dark spotting and splotchiness around the periphery, particularly on the reverse? Is that normal?

Russ, NCNE

BillJones

Russ,

The effects of that are hard to determine on a scan. If the piece has a nice "glassy luster" Proof surface with no breaks AND the black spots are tiny and minimal in number, it's probably a nice brown Proof coin.

The trouble with copper in this era (1864-5) is that the tin and zinc that was mixed with it to make the bronze alloy often was not mixed well. Therefore you get these streaks and bright spot on the planchets. And when the coins tone, you often get that wood-grain effect. I don't like to see that on very high grades like MS or PR 66, but on the lower grades it can be tolarated. Eye appeal with this is important.

You also should look for hairlines, which could indicate cleaning. The darker toning could be from the alloy, from cleaning and re-toning or both. At any rate if you want to collect a Proof 2 cent piece, and the price is no higher than $475 to $500, it's worth considering.

Sorry I can't give you a straigth up or down, but that's the nature of putting values on things with only scans.