First Ever 'Old Copper' Purchase -- Thoughts?
I am approximately two-thirds of the way to completion of my basic US type set, and starting to get into the tougher stuff including old copper, early silver, seated and trade dollars. I've been looking at large cents semi-regularly for the past few months, and jumped on this example after considering it for a few days. Since old copper is a tougher area in numismatics, I am trying to learn more and all feedback/thoughts/praise/criticism is appreciated.
1837 PCGS MS63BN, Medium Letters
Purchased online from a dealer that specializes in colonials, pre-federals, half cents & large cents

I selected this particular example for a few reasons. I thought the surface quality looked good in the image (especially on the obverse). The strike seemed generally strong and even, and although definitely not perfect, it was often better than most of the CoinFacts examples, especially the star centers. Finally, it was within the budget I set for a large cent type and lined up with all the price guides, although I could have afforded a 65 if I went for a later-date braided hair.
Thoughts on the coin, and on my thought process in selecting it? I still need a half-cent type example so anything I can learn from this experience can and will be applied there.
Thanks all.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Comments
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You did real good!
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Excellent choice for sure!
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I like the die break line and the chocolate color it looks clean and well centered. The darker blackish will need watched but I like it
Best place to buy !
Bronze Associate member0 -
Real nice coin!
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I think you did well. I like the strong and even strike on it.
Congrats on your pickup. Donato
Hobbyist & Collector (not an investor).
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A beauty!
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Very nice choice, I really like the surfaces.
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You did fine. Why do you think PCGS assigned a 63 grade?
Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA
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Cu not my thing, but THAT’S nice!
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@Sonorandesertrat said:
You did fine. Why do you think PCGS assigned a 63 grade?Hmm, a fairly prominent hit right on the cheek, along with one or two others on the obverse fields. On the reverse, a number of dings around 'ONE CENT' and on the leaf under the O in 'OF'. Some surface discoloration on the reverse.
What do you think?
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
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What do you think of its luster--is it cartwheel or satiny? This is very hard to assess from some images.
Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]0 -
@Sonorandesertrat said:
What do you think of its luster--is it cartwheel or satiny? This is very hard to assess from some images.
It cartwheels under bright light; the effect is more pronounced on the obverse than the reverse
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
9 -
I think your coin is very much nicer than MS63. Perhaps it was net graded because of a very old dip and the color is slightly off?
OINK
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This content has been removed.
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I like your motion jif or is it gif? I call it satin cartwheel luster. Very nice!
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Love the strike on this one!
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I always like die cracks in the stars on any date. The color is attractive to me and the luster on the gif buttons it up.
For just getting started I’d say your off to a great start. Collecting copper can be quite rewarding and addicting.
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It's beautiful! The die crack is neat........How common is the nick on the cheek?........ Insider2?
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That's a nice Large Cent. Great choice!
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I knew it would happen.1 -
Love the surface.
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1 -
Wonderful! Good job.
Looks like a CRO coin.
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Smitten with DBLCs.
1 -
Very nice Cent

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1 -
Beautiful looking coin! Love the cartwheel in the video!
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I love the RIDB on the obv. Nice. Peace Roy
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I like it! One of the first coins I ever acquired was an 1837 large cent. Not nearly as nice as yours but I still have it.
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Very nice piece...if you like those uncirculated classics. No hate here, I just prefer coins that actually did thier job by circulating through commerce.
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Nice pretty coin wtg
3 -
Great looking coin for the grade, you did great for the first one!
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That is a very nice large cent.... Thanks for the excellent pictures and the video.....You did very well. Cheers, RickO
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@Sonorandesertrat said:
You did fine. Why do you think PCGS assigned a 63 grade?I think it was only graded MS-63 because of the rub on the cheek (darker color) and especially due to the dark carbon spots on both sides.
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Wish my first large cent looked like that, or my last for that matter.
ANA-LM, NBS, EAC1 -
Very nice surfaces
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That coin looks nicer than a 63 and would have me asking the question: "What am I missing?"
That asked, it appears to be a very nice coin. Congrats.
Collector of Large Cents, US Type, and modern pocket change.0 -
I believe this coin was commercially graded 63--there is clear rub on the face and the hair below LIBER. Also rub on the uppermost leaves on the reverse just left and right of 12 O'clock. So technically it's AU but it also has nice luster and surfaces with few marks--hence commercial MS 63.
TomT-1794
Check out some of my 1794 Large Cents on www.coingallery.org6 -
Beautiful coin. Now match up look and color with the rest of coins and you will be the envy of the neighborhood!
thefinn0 -
Excellent! Very good eye, dude.

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@BigMoose said:
I believe this coin was commercially graded 63--there is clear rub on the face and the hair below LIBER. Also rub on the uppermost leaves on the reverse just left and right of 12 O'clock. So technically it's AU but it also has nice luster and surfaces with few marks--hence commercial MS 63.This comment is spot on — there is indeed light rub on the cheek. Thanks for the insight on commercial grading; that explains a lot.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
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WOW
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