New guy with questions
jimq
Posts: 285 ✭✭✭
Hello! I'm a card collector and for 50+ years I've wanted a 1909-s VDB. I've learned here and although it's not graded by PCGS I waited till I could find a coin I liked that was also graded. Is this coin ugly? It does have some luster when you angle it, sorry about the terrible scans. I haven't bought many coins so I don't think I need the great set-ups some of you have for photography.
0
Comments
The aesthetics are in the eye of the beholder. I don’t think any of us can tell you if it’s ugly to you. For me, personally, I don’t find it aesthetically appealing. I think there are better examples out there with a more even color.
Welcome.
If the pictures are accurate, the coin looks splotchy and uneven in color. There are usually plenty of examples on the market at any given time, so I’d recommend being patient and particular.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
As this is a scan its tough to say, I like the "woodie" look to the rev but the obv (from this scan) does not look overly appealing. While this is a "key" date it is not difficult to locate so its important to be choosy when searching for one.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
yes, be choosy on this one.
I like it. Original skin and copper shows darker in photos like that (when shot straight on). I wouldn't be surprised if it is a beauty in hand.
The photos are useless for evaluating the coin. The coin needs either much better photos or to be seen in-hand. The 1909-S VDB is very popular but is not rare. Be picky when buying one. There are plenty out there.
Thanks for all your comments and advice! I'm getting older, and thinking of my poor wife having to get rid of this stuff. Yesterday somebody came to "help" me decide what to keep and get rid of, and he kept telling me how ugly the coin was and that he would help me get rid of it (for around $100). I finally decided that since I waited so long to get it I would just keep it. It looks nicer to me than many of the details coins or worn coins I looked at.
Thanks again!
Beware of strangers wanting to "help" you get rid of coins or any other collectibles.
It's borderline fraudulent to offer $100. on a coin worth approximately $800.00. Good for you not letting it go to him. I hope this "friend" wasn't able to purchase anything else from you.
@jimq .... Welcome aboard. If you like the coin keep it. Yes, there are more attractive one's out there... Your choice. Cheers, RickO
I think the coin probably looks much better than the photos indicate,,, try for some better shots,,,,,,, not so dark so we can see it clearly.
pass it down
The 1909-S-VDB is famous but not rare. There are plenty of them around. You could find one in a lower grade that is more attractive. I don't care for the streaky look on that one. This one is in an EF-40 NGC holder.
exactly my thoughts too
Can't stand it in that holder either but that's my preference.
Very ugly to me
Why buy a coin and then ask people if they think it's ugly? Am I missing something? I don't get it.
Always remember. What one finds beautiful, another finds ugly. Eye of the beholder kind of thing. Out of the scratched up holder, it might be an attractive coin. I am a great woodie fan and I feel that with proper photography the coin would look quite different.
While we will offer our opinions, we are lacking in information, such as the cost of the item, which is none of our business, but might the coin much more desireable to some if a great price. You say you always wanted the coin and if you evidently liked it when you purchased it, then enjoy it as an awaited purchase come true. Thanks for sharing.
BTW, the "somebody" that offered you $100 is NOT your "friend" nor did they come to help. More like his photo belongs on a wanted poster.
Take care and best of luck.
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
Take your time looking for this one.
It's a very nice coin and a rare key date.
Congrats!
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
Nice strike detail as a 58, but the amount of 'wood grain' is pretty significant. I know there are some collectors who enjoy those specifically. Mine has a little wood grain but I did not find it distracting:
I'm really struggling to get good pictures, I'm very new at this. It's really not as dark and blotchy as it looks, in hand it looks a lot like it hasn't been used much with just a little "woodgrain" When I saw it I really liked it and thought it was beautiful. Then that guy told me to get rid of it because it was ugly and nobody would ever want it. I should have know, nobody would ever wany 100 oz silver Engelhards or 5 and 10 oz gold pamp suisse bars either. Anyway thanks all for your opinions and advice! If I can get any better pics I'll try again!
I personally I don't find it attractive. If you like it, go for it. Though it may effect the resale value of it.
Check the price guide here and collectors corner. There are 11BN, 11RB and 4RD’s for sale there now. You can be particular if you want to even with what is available. If you are willing to wait you will find a very nice example.
He already bought it, people.
Second obverse pic looks much better than the first.
Welcome @jimq and enjoy ! ⭐️