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1909 VDB ANACS PR63RB in Heritage Baltimore auction

Brian Wagner Rare Coins, Specializing in PCGS graded, Shield, Liberty and Buffalo Nickels varieties.
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    ambro51ambro51 Posts: 13,611 ✭✭✭✭✭
    WOW

    how do you say undergraded?
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    renomedphysrenomedphys Posts: 3,508 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    SteveSteve Posts: 3,313 ✭✭✭
    Heritage sold two of the six (6) ANACS graded PR63RB 1909VDB MPL's in 2002, one of which was the one I bought and crossed to PCGS PR61RB. Interestingly, ANACS has graded a grand total of 23 1909VDB MPL's thru all the years. My guess is that most of them have crossed to PCGS or NGC or have been cracked out and either upgraded to PCGS or NGC OR were bodybagged. This example sure looks good from the initial picture BUT we will have to learn more about it. I have to believe it is the real thing and even if it belongs in a PCGS genuine holder it has significant value to potential MPL collectors. JMHO. Steve image
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    RBinTexRBinTex Posts: 4,328
    image

    BUT

    You have to wonder how many times it DIDN'T cross at PCGS (and why image ). image
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    ChrisRxChrisRx Posts: 5,619 ✭✭✭✭
    Not too shabby.
    image
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    illini420illini420 Posts: 11,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I haven't seen a 1909 VDB proof in hand (and would want to see one before bidding) but this one looks ok from the pictures. Was wondering though if the crack from the wheat ear to the U of UNITED is common on these? Just looks odd to me.
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    dbemikedbemike Posts: 1,018 ✭✭✭
    I just spoke with a collector on the phone that doesn't have a PCGS registry set yet. He told me he owns a 1909 VDB PCGS PR63RB. I was unable to access the pop report due to PCGS error. Anyone know the pop off the top of their head?
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    BWRCBWRC Posts: 1,447 ✭✭✭
    VDB PCGS POPS in RB

    8 PR63RB
    20 PR64RB
    24 PR65RB
    7 PR66RB
    Brian Wagner Rare Coins, Specializing in PCGS graded, Shield, Liberty and Buffalo Nickels varieties.
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    ambro51ambro51 Posts: 13,611 ✭✭✭✭✭
    After really looking at this image......what is odd is the lack of any toning...and what looks like crud around LIBERTY.

    All the wise writers write of dipped and treated mattes out there.....is this ONE?
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    dbemikedbemike Posts: 1,018 ✭✭✭
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    commoncents05commoncents05 Posts: 10,078 ✭✭✭
    Based on those photos alone, it doesn't look 100% original.

    -Paul
    Many Quality coins for sale at http://www.CommonCentsRareCoins.com
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    WaterSportWaterSport Posts: 6,710 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Dang, I knew this would come out before I could surprise you guys with this weeks coming list....

    WS
    Proud recipient of the coveted PCGS Forum "You Suck" Award Thursday July 19, 2007 11:33 PM and December 30th, 2011 at 8:50 PM.
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    LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,294 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Hmmmm - wonder who consigned it. image
    "My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko.
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    I wouldn't want to comment about originality based on images. I'd really like to see the coin in hand. Nonetheless, anytime I think of the word "pale" in describing a Lincoln cent, I worry about originality. ANACS is pretty good about getting it right, so the coin probably looks fine in hand.

    Just a thought,

    Jack


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    ambro51ambro51 Posts: 13,611 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Id want this in a genuine holder about as much as if I married Paris Hilton and found her welded into a chastity belt.

    What is curious is how it has earned PF63RB. thats not a very nice grade for a matte, usually meaning a dull coin, difficult to see well in hand. There can be splotches and stains, or toning may be really heavy.

    but this coin looks (at least in the present photo) to in some ways look like a 66RD but I dont trust these photos at all anymore, Heritage will reimage that, am I correct, at least thats the way I read the present description.

    I suppose with a slab picture ANACS coins can be dated as to when 'made' from the cert number?
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    robecrobec Posts: 6,608 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Hmmmm - wonder who consigned it. image >>



    OK, please tell us about it. I have a feeling about you.image
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    RBinTexRBinTex Posts: 4,328
    "...I dont trust these photos at all anymore..."

    Guys,

    I'll go look at it in person as soon as Heritage has it available for lot viewing (or perhaps sooner) and report back.
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    SteveSteve Posts: 3,313 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Id want this in a genuine holder about as much as if I married Paris Hilton and found her welded into a chastity belt.

    >>



    I disagree Ambro51. Not only would I NOT be attracted to Paris Hilton with or without a chastity belt, I would be very happy to own a genuine example of this coin in a PCGS holder if I didn't already own one. There are currently "only" 170 of this coin that have been slabbed by PCGS, NGC and ANACS since 1986. Of that number probably 30 or 40 have been crossed, or cracked out. So "maybe" 100 to 140 exist today in major slabs. Maybe another 50 or 60 are "out there" in RAW condition, held by owners who can't get them certified. (ie) We may see some show up in the future in PCGS genuine holders, but I bet, not many. Bottom Line: This is a VERY popular MPL that is NOT available from your friendly dealer. When one comes onto the market, IN ANY CONDITION, it does have significant value. To those who have sufficient funds to quibble about condition, then they WILL demand the best they can afford. But to those who have limited funds and want a GENUINE example of this rare MPL for their collection, I believe they would go for it. The ANACS coin in the upcoming auction might not be the true test of the value to be placed on genuine coins of this variety that don't grade because THIS example is already graded by ANACS. What would be very interesting would be if the winning bidder sends it to PCGS and it doesn't cross and he then accepts the genuine PCGS holder. My point is that it will still have significant value to MPL collectors. What does everyone think about that?
    Steve image
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    RBinTexRBinTex Posts: 4,328
    I think if we're talkin' about the same identical coin, an ANACS 63RB that appears undergraded and more red than the average RB (even more so than some reds is worth WAY more than the same coin in a PCGS genny. JMHO.

    Unless the apparent slight rainbow effect (or as Heritage calls it "faint accent of light iridescent gold, lime-green, and violet colors") is an old "cleaning remnant/evidence" (?????) notwithstanding?
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    renomedphysrenomedphys Posts: 3,508 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Id want this in a genuine holder about as much as if I married Paris Hilton and found her welded into a chastity belt.

    >>



    I disagree Ambro51. Not only would I NOT be attracted to Paris Hilton with or without a chastity belt, I would be very happy to own a genuine example of this coin in a PCGS holder if I didn't already own one.
    Steve image >>



    I don't think Ambro meant to imply that he would be attracted to or desirous of becoming the spouse of Paris Hilton. Given the opportunity to add "Paris in a Chastity Belt" to my personal collection though, I would jump at the chance. I'll bet she would only "Genuine" as well, but think of the service to mankind, as well as the boundless opportunities at local fairs.
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    ambro51ambro51 Posts: 13,611 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Paris gets me warm.

    But, anyway on the coin.....My matte registry set would love it to come and join the party, but in a Gennie holder? with one point? Just because certain graders may feel it was cleaned/worked on /altered and not gradeable...is a risk Im not ready to take.

    Lots of uncertainty.


    My next big tuna copper will be either a vdb matte or a confederate cent restrike. Im just not sure which to seek.....Im in no hurry~~~

    (oh come on NOT attracted to Paris you guys are sick. Just imagine saying "Honey can I have my fifty thousand allowance for coins a day early this week?")
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    "...Not only would I NOT be attracted to Paris Hilton with or without a chastity belt,..."

    Steve, you're scaring me. I didn't know you swung THAT way (not that there's anything wrong with that). imageimageimage

    Nah, the rest of you guys wouldn't want any of THIS either (chastity belt or not). Right? image

    imageimageimageimageimageimage

    This one is too spicy for PCGS (thus no live link): http://topnews.in/light/files/paris_hilton22.jpg image


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    renomedphysrenomedphys Posts: 3,508 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have to admit, that shot of her holding a burger hits me in all the right placesimage
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    When's the bidding going to start on this one? image
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    illini420illini420 Posts: 11,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Isn't it pretty common for Heritage to get a consignor to submit PQ coins to PCGS to try for upgrades and/or crossovers before a major coin or a collection is sold??? I know of at least a few instances where that has been the case. Accordingly, if I was bidding I would automatically assume that it has already been sent in to cross but failed. Hard to tell why w/o seeing it in hand.
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    It’s to Heritage’s advantage to submit this coin to PCGS if it would cross because they would likely sell the coin for more and receive higher fees. Also if the owner thought the coin might bring a higher value in a PCGS holder they would submit it. A hundred dollars or so to PCGS for Cert fees is petty cash compare to the premium this would sell for in PR63 or even in PR62. The ANACS holder makes me say "Hmmmmm....."
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    Thanks Brian - you sure now how to test the market image Why wait until the auction??!!

    Okay, for starters, I very respectfully disagree with anyone who believes this coin will bring less than 20K. Look at the coin... Let's say, arguendo, that the coin looks decent in-hand ... I can tell you without a doubt that I would pay 35K+ With any level of confidence that the coin is not seriously worked, who wouldn't pay '64 money? From the photo, the coin does not look crazy to me. Just a little haziness to it, perhaps. A little dirt, but the surfaces look solid. IMO, with just a cleaning, the coin might even go '65RB. It looks fine to me. Nice color. Good strike. We've seen other coins without half the pizazz go for 30K+ So are we really so certain the VDB market is dead based on the sale of two weaker coins in a recent market?

    Brian - what's your opinion?
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    BWRCBWRC Posts: 1,447 ✭✭✭

    Duane,

    As you know I can't give a call on a coin based on the photo's alone but I can say from what I see the coin looks like it has some potential to be nice for the grade because the images tell me the following.

    #1 The coin appears to be carbon free which is a big plus.
    #2 I don't see any noticable/distracting contact marks on the coin.

    A in hand inspection will be necessary to determine if the VDB diagnostics are present on this coin. Also, if I believe PCGS would grade this coin as original color because if I were to buy it I would crack the coin out and send it to them for grading so basically I am buying this coin in a "flip". Also, the in hand inspection under a halogen light will tell me if any hairlines are present on the surface of the coin that would cause the coin to not grade up to my expectations. Also, overall "EYE APPEAL" can be judged at this time only. I am looking forward to viewing this coin at Baltimore prior to auction.

    Brian
    Brian Wagner Rare Coins, Specializing in PCGS graded, Shield, Liberty and Buffalo Nickels varieties.
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    Thanks Brian-

    Sorry, I did forget that unlike me, the collector, a dealer has to maintain a professional position on the coin.

    But as you run us through your thinking from an objective professional analysis, I guess the group is pretty much in agreement: seeing the coin in-hand is the prerequisite to any real evaluation as to authenticity or grade. As you point out, one cannot evaluate the eye appeal or presence of hair lines or diagnostics from a photo. But if the coin looks okay, meaning that your #1&2 points are met in-hand, as well as the color looking original, and one believes that PCGS would accept the coin, I suppose one cannot pass on the coin for PR63 money, or maybe more as a collector, or even as a flip. Obviously, if the coin looks terrible in-hand, all bets are off.

    But from just the photos, the coin seems like a really great coin to me, based on what's been coming to market. I can't wait to see it in-hand.

    Although Paris still grades higher from the photos image
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    I'm gonna try to see it in hand tomorrow if it is available to do so at Heritage. Will report.
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    WaterSportWaterSport Posts: 6,710 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I agree with Duane, the coin sight unseen will bring bigger money than expected because, the average collector sees its in a lower price scale thus adding more bidders as oppose to the last couple that were graded higher therefore scaring off a few folks and those high end bidders who questioned the grade being too high and no potential to upgraded did not bid at all. This coin looks good for the grade and as Brain said, the photo does not make it look better or worst.
    WS
    Proud recipient of the coveted PCGS Forum "You Suck" Award Thursday July 19, 2007 11:33 PM and December 30th, 2011 at 8:50 PM.
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    lusterloverlusterlover Posts: 1,256 ✭✭✭✭
    A well respected dealer that I chatted with after the last auction opined that of those last 2 VDB's auctioned, one would definately have been BBed and the other one was a toss up. My point is that they were not good examples to use for analysis of the market holding up for the date and series.
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    Could not agree more .... Those 2 coins skewed the market perception (and thus confidence) in a very negative manner. And we all realize perception and confidence at this level are everything. From my recent perceptions, private high end Mattes are still bringing very respectable premiums. Brian Wagner's web site is a one example. And as just a few other examples, notice the high price realized for a quality 1913 MPL recently through Heritage. And the Matte PR68 Buffalos are selling for prices that are out of this world. Based on the VDB sale prices mentioned, that should not be happening. So I think those 2 coins are not representative of the true market for high quality items, which always seems to trade well. That's why I think the latest MPL VDB will fetch well, with all the previous points mentioned being considered.
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    SteveSteve Posts: 3,313 ✭✭✭
    This coming auction at Baltimore may help to resolve the significant price gap between PR63 and PR64 1909VDB MPL's on the PCGS guide. Is this coin worth $10k or $20k or $30k. Well, question #1 will be do the bidders who see the coin in hand believe it will cross to PCGS as at least a PR63. Then question #2 will be is this rare coin still worth what it may have been worth BEFORE the current financial crisis. Question #3 is whether or not the many collectors who NEED this coin to complete their MPL collection have the financial ability OR the desire to step up to the plate at this time to compete for this coin. I'd say the jury is still out on all these questions and what comes out of this auction may set the pricing range for this variety for a period of time to come. JMHO. Steveimage
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    Steve-

    It's true, and MHO, as well. This sale can re-establish perceptions about quality and price. I think your Question #1 is really the crux, as the other two flow from that question. If the coin is adjudged to be a quality coin, and perhaps even cross-able at PR63-65 (and I would not take PR65 off the table, looking at others that we now know exist), than we may see a price paid that is commensurate with the perceived (and hoped for) cross grade. Clearly, most serious collectors who really need a VDB to finish or even further a collection may step up, even if the value has diminished slightly due to larger economic forces, because a) the opportunities are relatively few, and b) a quality and truly scarce or rare coin will hold its value, as we all seem to accept. So if someone has any question as to where to put their money now; do they drop it in the stock market, including stock-based retirement account, or do they put it in a long term asset that is proven, especially as of late, when it has received its first public awakening? Clearly, the average person is going to take at least CONSIDER the VDB as an asset vehicle. I've seen more money staying static because people are not sure where to actually park the money, and not always because the money does not exist. So this coin may represent an opportunity on many levels.

    So if the coin is a genuine quality coin, I think the bidding will be spirited.

    Duane
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    pennyanniepennyannie Posts: 3,929 ✭✭✭
    I do not see this MPL bringing good money. I see it 2 ways, a few low budget collectors wanting to add it to there collection and will bid it up a little over 12k or a dealer paying up to 17k to try to cross it. I have dealt with Heritage a few times and find it hard to believe that it would stay in a ANACs holder if it could cross and double the amount of value.

    Of course in hand it may be the undergraded coin of the century and bring 50k on sale day. I may own it at 10k, ponder a few minutes at 12k and pass at 15k

    Heck i still want a pf60. The more carbon the better, i do not want to get spoiled and expect great coins on what i am willing to pay.
    Mark
    NGC registry V-Nickel proof #6!!!!
    working on proof shield nickels # 8 with a bullet!!!!

    RIP "BEAR"
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    Looks like it has definitely been cleaned to me. Light hairlines and a thin but funky haze. About half way between the lightest and darkest Heritage pics.
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    DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'm not a Lincoln collector, but I always wonder why a high price coin that looks better than it is in another holder hasn't already been crossed to PCGS?? image
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    SteveSteve Posts: 3,313 ✭✭✭
    The coin has been posted here. In one day so far we have seven (7) bidders bidding this ANACS coin up to $8k+ with the juice. Let's continue the discussion here. WILL this coin cross to PCGS? WILL this coin become the first PCGS genuine 1909VDB MPL? It says "no reserve". How high will it go? Good luck to anyone here who may be going after this coin. Steveimage
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    gripgrip Posts: 9,962 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Looks like it has definitely been cleaned to me. Light hairlines and a thin but funky haze. About half way between the lightest and darkest Heritage pics
    It looked to ne that it had been recolored.. >>

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    Again, it all depends on the in-hand read of the coin. But if that read is positive, my position is no secret - I think it will cross, and at a higher grade. And I'm on record as to the price, as well.
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    PCGS won't cross a cleaned coin I guess if someone wants to take a $10K gamble on a ANACS holder it could pay off if it crossed but i'd say odds are slim
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    << Looks like it has definitely been cleaned to me. Light hairlines and a thin but funky haze. About half way between the lightest and darkest Heritage pics
    It looked to ne that it had been recolored.. >>

    Yeah, I guess these really are the questions. One cannot know any of this until a good in-hand look is made. And in truth, I think that I'd want the person with the most expertise making that call for me. I would not be so sure that the chances of crossing are slim if the coin looks good in-hand.

    Light hairlines do not mean a cleaning, for certain. The coin could have been in a slide holder at one time. And the "haze" described is seen on many non-cleaned MPLs that have been slabbed for any period of time, as we all know. That can just be normal oxidation, and can be easily removed with a simple dip. Recoloring is another call for the best eye one can find. Based on just the photo, the coin toning doesn't look all that abnormal to me. But a photo can be manipulated.

    In terms of the ANACS holder, my question back is "how long has it been in that holder?" Times and standards change, and where maybe 5 years ago someone may have been willing to break out a VDB (because the prices were not as high), but today, that same person may be reluctant, therefore they do no want to risk breaking it out. That is understandable, because the potential loss today is much greater. But I would say that if someone could buy a genuine VDB for 10K, as you mention, Steve, regardless of the holder, they would be wise to do so (providing they are not competing in the PCGS registry).

    In the end, we will know what people think of the coin by the numbers that we see going up, and not by what anyone says on this board!! image

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    SteveSteve Posts: 3,313 ✭✭✭
    Guys, listen to what I've just discovered. This coin with ANACS number 2322397 is the same coin sold in the September, 2002 auction for $4200. Take a look at the 2002 picture and take a look at the current picture IN THE SLAB. They DO look different to me. (Maybe the slab picture in the current auction is NOT the same coin?) Anyway, if it IS the same coin it obviously hasn't crossed in seven years. My coin which is the one shown for April, 2002 of course did cross BUT at a 2 grade point reduction. Opinions? Steveimage
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    Nice find! The cert # is the same, so I assume it is the same coin.

    Makes my point on the coin being in the holder for a while. The photo sure looks different, but IMHO, does not actually show anything. And based on the date, if the coin is AT and/or hairlined, it had those same qualities 7 years ago! So much for the coin being recently 'worked' theory.

    My theory is that someone bought the coin in 2002 for $4200, and can now 5 - 10X their money. Why take the chance with a non-cross?

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    RBinTexRBinTex Posts: 4,328
    From 2002 (Great catch Steve):

    imageimage

    This pic (above) looks way closer than either of the two new pics (one set too light/bright & one way too dark). Note the dullness/washed out/cleaned appearance - especially the reverse. I would say a notch or two less red/saturation and you'd be spot on.

    Also note though that in this pic the Green ANACS slab label background is washed out and in the "too dark" pic at the bottom it is still visible. I know I don't have to tell you guys what that means (from a photoshop perspective).

    The image immediately below is TOO Bright/Light (photoshop magic - and wishful thinking - for sure!!!):

    imageimage

    The image immediately below is TOO Dark (just a p*ss poor photo plain & simple. Not even ANACS would refrain from using the dreaded BN designation if it really looked like that)

    - BUT -

    DEFINITELY the same holder:

    imageimage

    Note the little (2mm?) SW to NE scratch/line on the reverse on the ANACS label near the top of it and most of the way to the left side of it.

    This leaves little (for all practical purposes NONE) possibility of it having been cracked out, worked on, and reholdered in the same ANACS holder with the same cert number.

    I still vote cleaned and it will NEVER be in a PCGS non-gen holder.

    >>> Hey PCGS, why can't you just tell us how many times it DIDN'T cross? Oh, that's right, that would be TOO transparent and beneficial to the consumer - RIGHT?!?!?!?!? imageimageimageimage
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    image
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    SteveSteve Posts: 3,313 ✭✭✭
    That scratch line from the top of Lincoln's ear thru his eyebrow is on the HOLDER, correct? (the 2002 slab picture)Steveimage
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    RBinTexRBinTex Posts: 4,328
    Correct. If you look REALLY close and use some imagination to fill in the dots you might just see a sufficeint remnant of it in the "dark" pics to come to that conclusion without the total absence of empiracal evidence. image
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    illini420illini420 Posts: 11,466 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Nice find! The cert # is the same, so I assume it is the same coin.

    Makes my point on the coin being in the holder for a while. The photo sure looks different, but IMHO, does not actually show anything. And based on the date, if the coin is AT and/or hairlined, it had those same qualities 7 years ago! So much for the coin being recently 'worked' theory.

    My theory is that someone bought the coin in 2002 for $4200, and can now 5 - 10X their money. Why take the chance with a non-cross? >>




    I agree that it definitely hasn't been messed with in the past 7 years. But that said, not sure what "chance" is taken in a crossover attempt... If it doesn't cross, so what, you'll still get your 5-10x in the current holder... but if it does cross, both you and Heritage will increase the total take without a doubt. Under no circumstance can I imagine anything other than that this coin has already failed to cross at least once since 2002 (either by the owner or Heritage).

    Will be a fun auction to watch. Too bad the photos are so inconsistent, really would have to see it in hand to bid properly.
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