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Worth Grading? 1804 spiked chin half cent
Melior_Invenidiste
Posts: 123 ✭✭
Noticed reverse rim bleeds up onto lettering. Good error?
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@Melior_Invenidiste This is a well known LDS (late die state) 1804 Spiked Chin. Ron Manley wrote a book on the subject, and your coin is attributed as Cohen-6, Manley D/S 11.0. It is the second to latest state for the variety, but also one of the most common die states.
As for grading at PCGS, I would not do it if I owned the coin. I really like it, but you have no upside. It might get a grade of "XF Details, Cleaned," or something similar, and the raw circ examples sell for approximately the same as the certified pieces. Why waste the money on grading? Besides, it is a nice looking coin as it is and is more enjoyable "in the raw" imho.
Thank you very much for your input. I appreciate input from more seasoned collectors like yourself. It helps me navigate the purchasing world.
Nice old half cent... I would keep it 'as is'... The extensive reverse cud adds to the 'interest'. Cheers, RickO
Cool coin, but would almost certainly get a “genuine” grade as it appears to have been cleaned. I’d also keep it raw.
Also, the reverse where the “rim is bleeding into the lettering” isn’t an error per se, but it is mint made. It is a massive die cud, where the die cracked, then later broke away completely. As pointed out, the next die state would have been terminal, and discarded shortly afterwards.
The mint was on a tight budget then, die steel tough to come by, and die preparation still more art than science. They had problems, but needed to keep minting until dies literally fell apart.
Interesting coin ... but is has been cleaned. Leave it as-is and save your money.
As others have mentioned, it has likely been cleaned, but absolutely has the wrong color. If submitted it would come back in a "Genuine" holder with a details grade and QC (Questionable Color) designation or as cleaned. Please note that when PCGS puts the QC label on a coin, they aren't exactly stating it is "questionable", but rather that is the PCGS euphemism for artificially toned or previously cleaned and retoned copper.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Such an interesting half-cent. The quintessential perfect DANSCO type coin would be a fish out of water in a PCGS (genuine) slab.
thats a likable cent. id leace it as is as well
Cleaned or not, I like it. LDS and TDS coins are awesome. Don't waste time and $ on slabbing it.
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
I have a raw C-6 too, but only about a Good. Fascinating how they pushed the dies to the Max at Ye Olde Mint.
Very cool reverse cud!! They were probably like:
Screw Press Operator:
" Sir, should we retire this reverse die?!" "It's not looking so good."
Mint Director:
"Retire it!! Lad, she's just getting broken in!!" As you were!