1820 large cent...Randall Hoard?
SimpleCollector
Posts: 536 ✭✭✭✭✭
I have a question regarding grading of a large cent. I saw a raw 1820 cent today. It was red/brown and probably a ms63/64 quality coin. The obverse was in exceptional condition and color. The reverse, while having being in great condition, did have some darker/ black areas. They did not take away greatly from the eye appeal of the coin, but when I asked, dealer indicated he believed it was corrosion and as such he wouldn’t be sure if it would straight grade.
My questions are:
-I have seen what appears to be similar discoloration on many straight graded coins. Is there a difference between some dark discoloration spots and corrosion, or is it essentially the same thing I am seeing?
-I did some quick research and it appears Randall Hoard coins were known to have some corrosion...is anyone aware if they straight grade or do the always get a details grade.
-Is this a type of coin you might want in your collection (either because of then look, or because of the story) or is it the type of coin that you stay away from?
Another reason that I ask this question, is that as I have been looking for this version of the large cent form my type set, I have noticed more of cents in this timeframe seem to have dark discoloration then the earlier ones 1800ish or later ones 1850 ish
All comments appr crated.
Thanks
Comments
Not sure if this is what you are asking about or not, but it’s my example, apparently net graded:
Exactly, coin I saw had two,spots on reverse like that
The Randal Hoard Cents can come with environmental issues, and they can be absolutely beautiful. I have an 1820 that is one of the latter, but I can't post it now because I am on an iPad.
Randal Cents are know to dominated by certain Newcomb varieties. I do not keep the Newcomb numbers in my head, but I know that Walkerguy's Cent is a N-20 and is one of those varieties.
If you are a type collector, the Randal Cents provide an opportunity to fill the "Matron Head" Cent hole in your set with a high grade piece at a reasonable price. I don't see anything wrong with that unless you are obsessed with filling holes with rarities.
I have seen what appears to be similar discoloration on many straight graded coins. Is there a difference between some dark discoloration spots and corrosion, or is it essentially the same thing I am seeing?
I guess I don't view mine as corrosion, per se, more like a 'toning spot' from the surface reacting with whatever that little lump was on the surface, though I suppose the point could be argued it's still 'corrosion' from a chemistry perspective. But certainly not like the corrosion frequently seen on large cents exposed to salt water, etc. The surface isn't etched away and the underlying detail is fully intact.
PS - I generally don't argue with BillJones, but I believe my coin is an N-13....there is no N-20 die variety for this year.
i appreciate the pic, insight and thoughts. The coin I saw had a nicer more red obverse, but slightly darker with two spotting area reverse. It was Recently obtained from a raw type set and was one of a few coins the dealer thought I might be interested in (wasn’t actively being shown). I can’t remember the price, but was probably in the $200-250 range, which if it straight grades is at least fair, but risk is it doesn’t. For eye appeal, from what I have seen, it would’ve been worth the money versus other coins I have seen, however I try to avoid buying a coin at 250, that the general population would then say is a $50 coin and I got totally taken for a ride. Dealer took time to walk me through the coin, what I was seeing it and some history, and why he was pricing where he did...very nice coin, chance it wouldn’t straight grade, not really worth his time to send it in(unless a coin is >$1000, I don’t think he sends them in.
Since I had never heard of this hoard and was curious about the dark spots, I figured it may be an informative topic for others.
Seems like the initial,consensus is that Randall Hoard coins is this condition are generally accepted and appreciated. If there are other thoughts, I would be very interested in hearing 5em.
Thanks again,
Just FYI, the Randall hoard is one of the most famous in large cent lore.
From what you are describing, it sounds like a very fair deal at that price.
Of course the purists who can't stand any kind of spot can argue their point, they also
need to realize an attractive coin with generous red on the obverse and no spots in a TPG
would likely run well >$800, based on recent auction results.
Here is the piece from my collection. This piece is conservatively graded PCSG MS-65, R&B, and it is way above average for a Randal Hoard cent. This used to be in the Ted Naftzger Collection. He had many of the best of the best, and even he marked on the envelope that this is a very nice example of a very common coin, even in Mint state.
If the coin you are considering is Mint State, $200 sounds like a bargain. I would be concerned about cleaning and maybe even China. You can't be too careful these, sadly.
And here is brown Unc. (MS-63) 1818 Randal Cent. My wife gave this to me as a wedding gift.