Opinions on 1794 draped bust large cent
OneTrickPony
Posts: 11 ✭
Hello, I inherited some coins including this 1794 large cent. I see on ebay these have gone for several hundred dollars in many cases, but mine appears to be cleaned. What are your opinions on this coins? What is it worth? I can't tell what variety it is except appears to be 'head of 1794'.
Thanks
Ron
Tagged:
0
Comments
It is corroded and I cannot magnify the image to check if it is authentic. My Large cent reference books are at work. If no one replies before tomorrow, I'll do more work on it.
I can probably make a better scan if this is not good enough. FYI, this was my grandfather's and was in a cent type set, undisturbed at least since about 1990. I appreciate your help.
The photo is probably good enough to attribute the coin and value it. However, it is not good enough for an opinion of authenticity from me.
This appears to be a Sheldon-31, R-1, corroded and cleaned.
Check out some of my 1794 Large Cents on www.coingallery.org
I agree with the iInsider. The piece has been cleaned and there are some corrosion spots. In defense of the cleaning the piece may have looked much worst before the cleaning was done. With ancient coins, it’s called “conservation.” With U.S. coinage, it’s called “cleaning,” although it might have been done more gently and more expertly.
Ten years ago, I would have declared this piece to be genuine without question, but today I can’t be sure. I have seen too many struck Chinese counterfeits to be sure that it’s real just from photos. They are getting good enough at it to use cleaning as way to hide the problems with their dies. Scrape off the bumps and irregularities, and you are on way to fooling the experts.
I wish I could be more definitive, but I can’t be sure.
Sadly even with the cleaning & corrosion this coin
that looks like an S-31 needs to be reviewed by
an expert like PCGS for authenticity. Some parts
of the coin do not look right. Just an opinion.
R.I.P. Bear
Unfortunately, I'll need to attribute this later.
IMHO, it looks NOTHING like S-31. For example, there is no doubled bottom curl and the pole is further from the bust.
Edit: The OP is correct as now I see the double lock.
Sofor now, I'll clean my glasses, and take my foot out of my mouth.
As I recall though, the pole is still too distant and I think the double curl obverse was used for more than S-31.
EDIT: Now I agree, S-31 as others posted.
...
I know you can't truly trust me, but this coin was not made in the last 20 years. It was part of my grandfather's collection and he died about 20 years ago. So assuming it's genuine any opinions what it is worth?
Now that you have told me where to look, I think it looks like S-31. There is the extra faint lock at the bottom. The 1 is very close to the hair, can't tell if it touches or not. I do not see anything like the ribs in the hair as on the S-30. If the appearance of the date is reliable, notice the date on the S-31 is in more of an arc than S-30. My date looks like the S-31. The 4 and 9 are rotated relative to one-another, whereas they are not on the S-30. However I only see one mar on my coin, like the S-30, but maybe the left one is warn or corroded off. As for the pole, my coin does seem to have a smaller space near the top of the pole, so???
Ron
some more pics
.
If someone has the power, you can delete the ones where she is looking down.
Agree with the above assessments, probably genuine looking at the additional photos.
The only other thing I will add is that is not a draped bust large cent, as they were introduced in 1796.
This is known as a Liberty Cap cent.
With the better images it is definitely a Sheldon-31 and it is authentic, corroded and cleaned. This was possibly a ground find.
Check out some of my 1794 Large Cents on www.coingallery.org
Ah thanks, don't know why I called it that. My grandpa was into metal detecting so quite possible he found it buried. Any comments on its worth? Everything on ebay is not cleaned like this. Is it nearly worthless? A little less than similar ones not cleaned? About the same?
Thanks
Ron
I would estimate a ballpark of $150 - 250, perhaps a little more or less, depending on the buyer and the market.
Yes, the second set of photos confirms that this coin is genuine.
Nice old cent.... no idea of the value, however, someone will surely want it. I recommend listing it on the BST here.... no fees and forum members will appreciate the chance. Let us know what you decide. Cheers, RickO
Cool piece...
My YouTube Channel
Are there any rules listed anywhere for that Buy Sell & Trade forum? Is there any recourse if one of the parties is unsatisfied with the transaction?
Ron
@OneTrickPony....No rules that I know of.... It has always been basically transactions between forum members and I personally have done many great deals there. Also, many others have written about successful transactions as well..... I think I remember one thread about a deal that did not go well. I think that one ended up being resolved though. Basically, people list what they have, normally with pictures, and post a price they want....Of course, there could be some negotiation....but when well described and priced withing reason, it seems things go smoothly. Cheers, RickO