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Which one of these Charlotte $5 half eagles looks like they have original surfaces?

ajmanajman Posts: 1,359 ✭✭✭
I have my opinion on what I would like based upon the photos given, but what are your opinions? Which coin would you prefer to own? NGC 1842-C $5 or PCGS 1855-C $5
Beer is Proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy -Benjamin Franklin-

Comments

  • BoosibriBoosibri Posts: 11,827 ✭✭✭✭✭
    First I think you have to assume that every coin in this auction has been to CAC, period. To much difference in price for Heritage not to send them all to New Jersey.

    The 42-C up close pics are poor and give the coin an unnatural color. The slab pics show a much more pleasing color and dirt in the recesses.

    Technically, from my iPhone look at the pics, there is more technical strength in the 55-C. Makes me a little concerned it has some "help" as it probably would sticker given the surfaces and detail I see.

    I'd vote for the 42-C but as a collector of southern gold I would pass on both. I want more color and uniqueness for my money.
  • stevebensteveben Posts: 4,595 ✭✭✭✭✭
    i like the 42-c better. i think the eye appeal is better, although both coins are comparable on many fronts. i don't think either has been cleaned or dipped. but, that's just my opinion.
  • BoosibriBoosibri Posts: 11,827 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Took another look at the photos now that I'm at a computer and while I like the 55-C less, particularly the flatness on the reverse.

    The pics of the 42-C show "scratches" which could be on the coin or on the holder. The one over the left wing on the reverse would concern me most. If you actually considering either coin I would call Doug Winter and ask him to represent you at auction. For 5% fee you get the piece of mind that this is a solid coin.
  • BillJonesBillJones Posts: 33,406 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The close-up pictures of the 1842-C make the coin look too bright, like it has been cleaned. The total slab looks better. The 1855-C has a flat stuck look to it.

    Since you are looking for coins on the EF level, I'd go to some major shows and shop for one of these, if you can't go to the auction and examine them yourself.

    I'll tell you that the Charlotte coins are lot harder to get nice than the Dahlonega pieces. The 1842-C half eagle I have is nothing to write home about since it has "enhanced,' but it has a lot of "meat." You really have dig to find these coins, and I'd advise you to not bid on pictures alone.
    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 ... ?
  • CharlotteDudeCharlotteDude Posts: 2,865 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I like the coloration of both coins. Heritage "close up" pics rarely do anything for the coin due to consistent overexposure. The "whole slab" pics, with magnification of the obverse/reverse themselves show the true coloration and details better, IMO. Both dates sometimes come with flatly struck reverses... the '55-C more than the '42-C, especially on the neck, claws and arrow feathers. Both appear to have their share of abrasions, but it's expected given the amount of circulation. I'd be concerned about how the light scratches look on the '42-C without seeing the coin in hand. I agree with the grades - both are XF-45's - that said, I like the '55-C better.

    'dude
    Got Crust....y gold?
  • fcfc Posts: 12,788 ✭✭✭
    Based on the pics i would pass on both.
  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Based on the pics i would pass on both. >>



    image
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • mkman123mkman123 Posts: 6,849 ✭✭✭✭
    The 42C has a CAC sticker that means they like it and agree with it. The PCGS does not, if it was rejected......

    If you don't care for the stickers then up to you to decide
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  • 55-C but I'd pass on both.
    Specialist in Lincoln Cents, Toned Type, and Slab enthusiast.
  • ajmanajman Posts: 1,359 ✭✭✭
    I think I'll wait and see what S/B has to offer at Baltimore.
    Beer is Proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy -Benjamin Franklin-
  • messydeskmessydesk Posts: 19,617 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would bid on neither without looking at them in person. None of the photos are that good, but the 42-C shows more promise than the 55-C.

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