1849 large cent

larrry

Any one know why the Newcomb 25 designation was delisted for the 1849 large cent with 'error' of the date orientation? The latest edition of Cherrypickers' Guide (6th edition) shows the date location of my penny and the rust lump on Liberty's cheek. I put in an inquiry to PCGS to see if they would grade my large cent with the Newcomb 25 designation (of course only if they agree) and what the charge would be. I have not heard back from them as of yet.

Using PCGS' photograde app I have determined that the large cent is a F-12. Unfortunately it is not an AU but it is identifiable. The reverse does have some corrosion on it. Cherrypickers' states that there are eight examples known as of the writing of that part of the Guide. Do I truly have a rare large cent? If so I will be seeking to sell it. Anyone have any suggestions on how to sell it? I have been buying and buying but never sold any coins yet. Ebay? Help.

ricko

@larrry .... Welcome aboard....I cannot help with any selling information, I just collect. Cheers, RickO

lkeigwin

The N25 has often been thought to be a misidentified N10. Below is catalogue info from a recent Heritage auction:

"Grellman describes the rare and curious N-25 as "the rim and fields have a wavy, irregular appearance indicating the die was not prepared properly." The rough fields on struck examples, particularly near the obverse rim and AMERICA, ensured the dies were promptly removed from service despite the historical reluctance of the Mint to shelf costly die steel.

The status of N-25 as a distinct die marriage was debated by specialists since Newcomb's day. Due to the die lumps atop the C and T in CENT, some believed that N-25 was really a late state of N-10. In 1989, however, Grellman had the opportunity to study the present high grade coin as part of the Naftzger holdings, and confirmed the conclusions of Newcomb and Naftzger. For example, the die line above the AM in AMERICA differs from N-10, as does a diagonal die line from the N in UNITED toward the rim."

The answer you are looking for from PCGS is "yes". The N25 is PCGS coin# 405694. Two examples have been graded, both fairly high end. Proving yours is an N25 and not N10 may be difficult. Grading costs and attribution fees are easily learned online.

If you can get it graded and attributed as an N25 you might have better luck selling it at a large show with many EOC dealers. Demand may be thin on places like ebay or GreatCollections. Remember, rarity alone does not make a coin valuable. It needs interested buyers.
Lance.

Walkerguy21D

What Lance said.

Bob Grellman (cited above) used to attribute large cents for $1, but not sure if he still does performs this service. This may be an inexpensive alternative to try, before sending to our hosts, if you want it slabbed.

And also bear in mind, the market is thin for minor Newcomb varieties, and in lower grades with corrosion (as yours apparently is) it may not command a big price.

BigMoose

According to Grellman, the 1849 N-25 is R-7 with only 7 known. The finest sold in the Goldberg's Auction of Ted Naftzger's Late Date Large Cents in Sept., 2009. Graded PCGS 63BN, it sold for $37,950.00! If you do have a N-25, even in rough condition, it should be worth some serious money.

BigMoose

Lance, what would an 1829 Bust Half R-7 in VG sharpness, corroded, sell for, just out of curiosity?

Walkerguy21D

Thanks BigMoose - I did not realize it was that rare, nor potentially that valuable.

lkeigwin

@BigMoose said:
Lance, what would an 1829 Bust Half R-7 in VG sharpness, corroded, sell for, just out of curiosity?

Is this a hypothetical? Or do you have something we should know about?

I don't think there are any 1829 R7's (or R6's or even high R5's).

The 1829 O.120 is supposedly an R8 and I believe it is the coin that completed Dr. Charles Link's die variety set of Capped Bust Halves. There's a fun story about it I'm not sure I should share.

PCGS ballpark's a problem-free VF30 at $30k.

My guess is that an R7 VG bust half, corroded, might sell for $5-10k. A big spread, I know. But too much depends on how many collectors are desperate for one and how badly corroded it is. Personally I would pass. I'll never complete 450 die marriages (too many R7's and R8's) so a damaged hole-filler wouldn't be compelling.
Lance.

msch1man

If it truly is an N-25, I think one of the best places to sell it would be at the upcoming EAC convention in May. If not there, probably through a Goldberg auction would be my best guess to get top dollar.

BigMoose

Thanks, Lance. It was definitely a hypothetical question. I know how avidly rare varieties of Bust Halves are pursued by Bust Half collectors. Likely more avidly than Late Date Large Cent collectors go after rare Late Dates. But the "completeness guys" in the Large Cent universe chase the rare varieties aggressively. Just wanted to use your expertise with Bust Halves to see if we could extrapolate a little to R-7 Late Date Large Cents.

BigMoose

I agree with your philosophy. I would much rather have an R-2 or R-3 variety that is a spectacular gem rather than an R-7 variety that looks like someone should place it on a railroad track to put it out of it's misery.

larrry

Larrry here again. Greetings.

I am attaching two photos of the large cent. As you all can see the amount of wear and corrosion makes it hard to authenticate as a Newcomb 25 or 10. My Cherrypickers' book provides some information to identify it but the existing condition gives challenges to me. Perhaps some of you out there can look at the photos and provide some additional insight. ('insight' - pun intended!!!) Hopefully the photos are clear enough to help. I put the coin under my microscope and the pit in Liberty's cheek is clearly visible but the other identifying lines are not clear.

I hope that someone can help a little more. Perhaps I have a really rare find from the auction or maybe it is just another $20 coin.

Thanks for all your help so far.

asheland

johnny9434

welcome to the forums.