Please help with value for an 1801 Large Cent S-214 r-3 Fine detail net grade VG

mnmcoin

Coin has Fine details but with two moderate rim bumps and a few very light scratches on the obverse.

Over all it is a very nice coin. I am being offered it and they say it is a much scarcer variety that is worth much more over normal type money.

I have always enjoyed large cents and want to get into them, but struggle from lack of experience.

thanks for any help as to value

morris <><

Placid

I might pay a little more for it than the common variety but not a lot more.
If it was a rare variety like a s215(r5) it would be different.
Just my opinion.

A 214 graded VF-25 sold in the Benson Collection, Part I, February 16, 18-20, 2001, Lot 338
$368.

Link

BillJones

Without a picture it's hard to give you a firm answer.

Generally 1801 is a tougher date that some people believe. I think that it's much harder to find an attractive 1801 large cent than the $20 bid premium on the Gray Sheet over the more common dates, like 1802 and 1803, would lead you to believe.

Still having said that, I would pass on the coin simply because I hate rim bumps. If they don't bother you, and if you think that this is the best that you can afford, give the coin a try. BUT just remember when it comes time to sell. only holes are worse than big rim bumps and serious scratches.

rhedden

Morris,

Let me recommend to you that you purchase a book that contains detailed information about varieties and perhaps market prices on large cents. There are several available including Copper Quotes by Robinson (somewhat hard to find these days) and Penny Prices by Noyes (what I use). Other forum members might want to refer you to more advanced books, too. Your investment of less than $100 will pay off big time. Sheldon's book is a classic and is good reading, but the rarity ratings are way out of date, of course.

Looking in Penny Prices, S214 is only slightly scarce, and there is little or no premium for that variety in net VG grade over the commoner S213 (R2) or the very common S216 (R1). It is only in the upper grades that the S214 is considered to be worth a premium over the commonest 1801 varieties. In addition, the coin you described is problem coin. I'd pass on a coin that has obvious rim bumps, personally. A better one will come along. Some dealers will try to tell you that even R2 and R3 coins are scarce and worth a premium, but that is just not true unless it's a "top 5 known" condition census piece.

mnmcoin

All great info. Thank you very much. I have been wanting to get into them, but my father (always the pesimist) says, they are too complicated and messed with. I love copper coins, and love the idea of a larger than small cent coin...ie, just like the large and half cent coins of old.

I did pick up from the same gentleman that I passed on the 1801 some great large cents...including a 1795 half cent, a 1812 large cent in VF (with three rim clips...I thought that was so cool) and I even picked up an 1788 Massachusets Cent, I just absolutely love this one...hard to believe you can actually see all the details...including the date and the word Massachusetts. All in all, I picked up 5 great larger copper coins...the half cent the colonial cent and three large cent in great condition for a few hundred dollars...which looking at greysheet, it looks like I did alright. I figure I can lose a whole lot as long as I am learning.

thanks again for all the info, I think I may just pick up Penny Prices by Noyes

morris <><