1909 $5 ...Is that an "O"?

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Sheldon_Overton_Baby
Sheldon_Overton_Baby Posts: 60 ✭
in U.S. Coin Forum

So could be mind seeing what it wants to see but I got pictures of some coins from an sort of vest pocket bullion dealer more or less.

Is that an "O"? Just the picture? Maybe its a "D" that just looks a lot like an "O". First picture he sent was not good but asked for better one (best I think I am going to get). Afraid to ask for more and reveal my hand.

Attached best picture and then I took that picture. zoomed in and did some contrast effects a bit.


Comments

  • HoledandCreative
    HoledandCreative Posts: 2,890 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Looks like a D to me.

  • skier07
    skier07 Posts: 4,833 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Looks like a zit to me.

  • Insider2
    Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Normally this should be very easy as the mintmark is all there. Unfortunately, your images are not sharp enough. The inside hole looks like a "D" but the mintmark looks like it may be an "O." I use the die polish on the obverse to confirm the mint and in this case, an obverse image will not be sharp enough either. :(.

  • Timbuk3
    Timbuk3 Posts: 11,658 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Good luck !!! :)

    Timbuk3
  • Gluggo
    Gluggo Posts: 3,566 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @Sheldon_Overton_Baby said:
    Afraid to ask for more and reveal my hand.

    Dont be afraid to ASK FOR MORE! Be aggressive but calm. Good Luck!

  • Insider2
    Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @Timbuk3 said:
    Good luck !!! :)

    I agree, Fortunately, luck does not come into this. It is or is not and most folks should be able to tell in less than 10 sec in hand.

  • Sheldon_Overton_Baby
    Sheldon_Overton_Baby Posts: 60 ✭
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    @Insider2 said:
    Normally this should be very easy as the mintmark is all there. Unfortunately, your images are not sharp enough. The inside hole looks like a "D" but the mintmark looks like it may be an "O." I use the die polish on the obverse to confirm the mint and in this case, an obverse image will not be sharp enough either. :(.

    I thought the 1909-o $5 had a decently sized mintage but there is only 1 obverse die used? Where is this diagnostic die polish?

  • Insider2
    Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @Sheldon_Overton_Baby said:

    @Insider2 said:
    Normally this should be very easy as the mintmark is all there. Unfortunately, your images are not sharp enough. The inside hole looks like a "D" but the mintmark looks like it may be an "O." I use the die polish on the obverse to confirm the mint and in this case, an obverse image will not be sharp enough either. :(.

    I thought the 1909-o $5 had a decently sized mintage but there is only 1 obverse die used? Where is this diagnostic die polish?

    I never said that there was one obverse die! The die polish is in the incuse recesses of the coin on both sides. What you can do is magnify images of the 09-O's and compare the die polish to your coin.

  • PerryHall
    PerryHall Posts: 47,752 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Need better pics but it looks like an O to me. Send it in to one of the major grading services to get it graded and slabbed.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • jdimmick
    jdimmick Posts: 9,992 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    O

  • ricko
    ricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Looking at the enlarged image, I see a D... the left side looks straight....Cheers, RickO

  • jwitten
    jwitten Posts: 5,417 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Looks like a D to me, but hard to tell for sure with the pictures.

  • Insider2
    Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 11, 2018 6:46AM
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    The mintmark "hit me" as an "O" because of its position. We'll never know w/o sharp images or a trip to a coin dealer,

  • PerryHall
    PerryHall Posts: 47,752 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @Insider2 said:
    The mintmark "hit me" as an "O" because of its position. We'll never know w/o sharp images or a trip to a coin dealer,

    I have an 1909-O half eagle and the mintmark on this coins is the same size, shape and location as the O on my coin.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • PerryHall
    PerryHall Posts: 47,752 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @ricko said:
    Looking at the enlarged image, I see a D... the left side looks straight....Cheers, RickO

    The O mintmark is an oval so the sides would be somewhat straight. The upper left corner and lower left corner of this mintmark is rounded unlike a D mintmark which is squared off and has serifs.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • ricko
    ricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @PerryHall ...As I see it on my screen, it appears to have the left, straight side, ending in (somewhat muted) points. I am looking at my 1909 D, and yes, I see the serifs (mine is a very clear D)... which are not visible on the OP coin... Hard to say, I hope the OP does submit it and comes back with the verdict. Cheers, RickO

  • PerryHall
    PerryHall Posts: 47,752 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    It's funny that the 1909-D is by far the most common date while the 1909-O is by far the rarest date with the exception of the 1929 which were mostly melted. Also, the 1909-O is a neat coin because it's the last gold coin produced by the New Orleans mint and the last year of operation before it was shut down forever.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • johnny9434
    johnny9434 Posts: 34,054 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    looks like a d to me as well. we shall see :)

  • tommy44
    tommy44 Posts: 2,347 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I can't tell but Oh how I want it to be a "O".

    it's crackers to slip a rozzer the dropsy in snide

  • Smudge
    Smudge Posts: 10,001 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Looks like it is in a tpgs holder. What do they say?

  • thefinn
    thefinn Posts: 2,657 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @Smudge said:
    Looks like it is in a tpgs holder. What do they say?

    Looks like an Airtime holder with black foam to, which is why he is asking if it might be a New Orleans issue.

    thefinn
  • Smudge
    Smudge Posts: 10,001 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Oh ok. Thanks.

  • Namvet69
    Namvet69 Posts: 9,423 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    What ricko said. Peace Roy

    BST: endeavor1967, synchr, kliao, Outhaul, Donttellthewife, U1Chicago, ajaan, mCarney1173, SurfinHi, MWallace, Sandman70gt, mustanggt, Pittstate03, Lazybones, Walkerguy21D, coinandcurrency242 , thebigeng, Collectorcoins, JimTyler, USMarine6, Elkevvo, Coll3ctor, Yorkshireman, CUKevin, ranshdow, CoinHunter4, bennybravo, Centsearcher, braddick, Windycity, ZoidMeister, mirabela, JJM, RichURich, Bullsitter, jmski52, LukeMarshall, coinsarefun, MichaelDixon, NickPatton, ProfLiz, Twobitcollector,Jesbroken oih82w8, DCW

  • REALGATOR
    REALGATOR Posts: 2,705 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    That is definitely maybe an O! The dirt in the center really makes it difficult to determine from the photo.

  • ChrisH821
    ChrisH821 Posts: 7,147 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Did you buy it?

    Collector, occasional seller

  • jesbroken
    jesbroken Posts: 11,252 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    He's probably trying to buy it in case the owner sees this forum. I would love to see better photos of this mintmark. Wow, this really looks like an "O", but hope to see the results; either send it in or reveal the holder and notation. Very interesting.
    Jim


    When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln

    Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
  • Crypto
    Crypto Posts: 4,098 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Looks like an o to me

    11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set

  • asheland
    asheland Posts: 24,545 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @PerryHall said:

    @Insider2 said:
    The mintmark "hit me" as an "O" because of its position. We'll never know w/o sharp images or a trip to a coin dealer,

    I have an 1909-O half eagle and the mintmark on this coins is the same size, shape and location as the O on my coin.

    I'd love to see that coin! :smiley:

    My YouTube Channel

  • asheland
    asheland Posts: 24,545 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    FWIW it looks like an O to me.

    My YouTube Channel

  • Nap
    Nap Posts: 1,777 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Looks like an O.

    Be aware of mintmark alterations with this date as well as counterfeits.

    Obviously would recommend buying from trusted source with TPG authentication.

    My medieval coin collection

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