The obverse looks like a strong Fine, the reverse a tad less than Good. I think VG is definitely a fair grade for this one especially considering most collectors lend more weight to the obverse grade.
Early coinage cannot be graded the same as more modern coins because of the low technology used to strike them. Early coinage has to be graded as such. I generally agree with the seller's remarks, although VF details is a stretch. She really looks F12 on details, but, due to the slight porisity and vertical mark, VG10 was the net grade. The reverse, IMO, was weakly struck, and weak strikes were common in early coinage. I think VG10 is conservative, and probably correct.
The obverse has F-VF sharpness, but the coin is glandular. This piece was probably corroded and was quite ugly. Then someone worked on it, who knew what they were doing, and improved it to the state where it is now. If this were not a Wreath cent, it probably would have caught a body bag, but it was saved by its rarity and popularity. The reverse is only a G-6.The coin has been net graded / market graded to VG, which probably about right for it.
The thing about the Wreath and Pole to Cap cents is that the lettering on the reverse was often very delicate. If you ever have a chance to see an EF or better example you will see that some letters were not sharp from the get-go, and there was no protective rim to shield them from wear. Therefore it's no unusual to see copper coins from this era, especially when they are well worn, that have decent obverses and mediocre to poor reverses.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
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Dennis
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If I had it my way, stupidity would be painful!
Check out a Vanguard Roth IRA.
and if i was looking for a good condition wreath cent
i would definately pass on this coin too many huge problems
michael
michael
The thing about the Wreath and Pole to Cap cents is that the lettering on the reverse was often very delicate. If you ever have a chance to see an EF or better example you will see that some letters were not sharp from the get-go, and there was no protective rim to shield them from wear. Therefore it's no unusual to see copper coins from this era, especially when they are well worn, that have decent obverses and mediocre to poor reverses.
I would have said G-8, but I'm not paid $250,000 a year to grade coins.
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