1909 VDB grading questions

coinsarefun

Can you please give me an idea of grade and so that I can get more knowledge on how to grade cents.

I am going to say ms62RB. It does have great luster, but I think being in the plastic does not help much.

After your grade opinion can you give me a brief explanation so I can get more proficient at grading.

Tyler1924S

I flip flop between 62 & 63RB on this one. Obviously, worst hits are above the ear. Lots of red on this one. Nice reverse die cracks. Looks like debris to the right of E on reverse. Nice VDB. Purchased quite a few of them (all UNC & some EF-45's), before prices jumped to what they are. Most of mine are 64RB. Grab as many as you can!

droopyd

If the 24-D in the other thread gets a 63RB, this one does as well.

WaterSport

Agree, 63 R&B

WS

RedneckHB

I would say 62-63 is about right.

curly

OK brother, since you asked, here's my opinion, and why. I agree with the other brothers that say 62/63.

When I first look at a coin, I want to notice what is the first thing that I saw. On yours I saw a spotty surface. The spots look like carbon and that isn't good. All in all, the surface of the planchett looks "busy". There appears to be a couple of nicks above the ear that I can see without a loupe. I imagine that with a loupe, I'll see more damage.

It looks to have good luster and the strike looks hammered. Those are plusses.

Because it's a common coin, in a fair to middlin' unc grade, I wouldn't spend the 50 bucks or so to get it graded. It's not going to impress any dealer when you want ot sell it, and someday you'll want to do just that.

cohodk said it best one time. I'll paraphrase, you need a coin, that when you show it to someone, they say "Wow, do you want to sell it?"

Those types of "WOW" MS VDBs are out there.


That's just this old man's opinion, brother. Of course, the bottom line is you. If it makes you happy then it's a winner.

Edited to add: After reading your profile, I apologize sister, for calling you brother.

dorkkarl

ms-63

awful lot of carbon spots on that 1, these are readily available w/ spotless surfaces

K S

coinsarefun

Thank's everyone.
Curly, I want to thank you for you answer. This is how I learn.

I know that I am getting very basic but I want to make sure that I understand.
Luster, strike, carbon spots(if any) and hits on the coins are the key elements of grading

Barndog

<< <i>Thank's everyone.
Curly, I want to thank you for you answer. This is how I learn.

I know that I am getting very basic but I want to make sure that I understand.
Luster, strike, carbon spots(if any) and hits on the coins are the key elements of grading >>



I would recommend getting a copy of the PCGS Guide to Grading and Counterfeit Detection. Excellent book and generally available on ebay for less than $25 bucks shipped. The book contains some good discussion of various factors to consider when grading coins in general and it also goes into series-specific aspects of grading.

curly

You are quite welcome, sister. ( I don't get to say sister very often )

coinsarefun

I do have several books that I have read including the
PCGS book. It helps to post actual coins and see if I
am learning

tahoe98

it's a coin to be proud of, stefanie!