Scratched 1865 Liberty Seated Dime-- How Bad Is This?

Avocet · January 11, 2023 9:30AM

My friend @asheland and I have debated the significance of the rim scratches in this 1865 10c example. I appreciate this coin, especially considering its strike, skin, and rarity, but the scratches seem distracting/detracting. The coin has a fascinating history, and it was once a part of a very nice collection of mint-state 1865 seated liberties and belonged to one collector for many years. What do you think? Is the grade generous? Thanks for your comments.

On a separate note, Happy New Year, and thank you to everyone on this forum. Over the past year, I have slowly gotten to know many great collectors/experts here. I am fortunate to get to know all of you, and I am grateful to our PCGS host for providing this valuable venue for us.

Aotearoa · January 11, 2023 9:32AM

I presume the scratches are within the bounds of the grading standards but, once seen those scratches cannot be unseen...

asheland · January 11, 2023 9:34AM

Despite the scratches, it’s still an excellent coin! 👍

gtstang · January 11, 2023 9:35AM

Large pics, small coin. I don't believe it would look like a terrible issue when viewing in hand.

Avocet · January 11, 2023 9:42AM

@Aotearoa said:
I presume the scratches are within the bounds of the grading standards but, once seen those scratches cannot be unseen...

I like the way you put this-- once you identify a concern with a coin, the concern tends to hang-on. Interestingly, the scratches are focused primarily on a raised position of the rim that is asymmetric, a bit like an off-center die. I wonder how graders deal with that kind of thing.....

sumdunce · January 11, 2023 9:56AM

Looks to me like a RPD. Like a 5 over tilted 5. Maybe it is just clash remnants from the wreath on the back. Very nice coin even with the scratch.

LanceNewmanOCC · January 11, 2023 10:22AM

a nice looking coin with a LOT of damage.

i didn't give it an A+ effort but there are a good amount of digs on the coin as well as lady liberty having pretty decent vertical scratch(es).

i'm thinking if one were to tilt the coin in the right light, a lot of contact marks would, you know, come to light.

kinda looks like a bit of a tilted collar error MAYBE since k8-k10 has the rim fin and then the corresponding k2-k4 collar clashing.

291fifth · January 11, 2023 10:27AM

The biggest problem is the assigned grade of MS64. The coin looks to me like an AU55 as there is wear on the high points.

Avocet · January 11, 2023 10:30AM

@sumdunce said:
Looks to me like a RPD. Like a 5 over tilted 5. Maybe it is just clash remnants from the wreath on the back. Very nice coin even with the scratch.

@sumdunce -- your comments prompted me to do some research, and I did find a match with the Fortin 101B variety -- the die clash marks are a perfect match -- repunched date is a part of that variety. Thank you for sharing these observations!

bsshog40 · January 11, 2023 10:30AM

Like stated, small coin large pics really show details. In hand I'm sure it doesn't look quite as bad. The enlarged pics makes me thing it should've been a 63 instead of a 64. Jmo

BillJones · January 11, 2023 10:42AM

The left rim looks like it's been filed. That might not be the case, but the signs are there.

I like the coin, but not as an MS-64. It's got to have more luster than what is showing in the photos. From what I see, I'd be in the AU-58 to MS-61 camp with a boost for eye appeal.

Avocet · January 11, 2023 10:50AM

Great comments -- I also feel the grading may be generous here, considering luster and eye appeal, for example. I am fascinated with the Fortin 101B variety match -- the coin does appear to have RPD, and the die clashes are a perfect match for the Fortin 101B variety. The 101B variety may add to the rarity of this example. I am grateful for the thoughts of the experts on this forum....

ricko · January 11, 2023 11:28AM

My first impression was MS63.... and after further study, I will stick with that. Cheers, RickO

NumisOxide · January 11, 2023 4:10PM

@BillJones said:
The left rim looks like it's been filed. That might not be the case, but the signs are there.

I like the coin, but not as an MS-64. It's got to have more luster than what is showing in the photos. From what I see, I'd be in the AU-58 to MS-61 camp with a boost for eye appeal.

I agree looks like filing or a rim scrape. Not sure how it's a MS64.

dhikewhitney · January 11, 2023 6:57PM

MS61

Catbert · January 12, 2023 8:10AM

I like the coin and if there is more luster than what appears, then I wouldn’t fret over the grade.

On such a small coin, the rim issue would likely not bother me.

jedm · January 12, 2023 8:23AM

In my opinion the rim scratches are insignificant. That one's got great eye appeal to me and I think the graders thought so too.

Namvet69 · January 12, 2023 8:54AM

It's graded, slabbed, nothing's gonna change. I like it. Peace Roy

Cougar1978 · January 12, 2023 2:05PM

MS 70 is perfect this coin is not.

It’s not PQ IMO. Nice looking Average Quality 64. Would price at 64 CPG $4200 ish - hopefully have lots of room for negotiation. Not a bad piece to fill the hole in a type set.

Looking at it actual size - overall I like it.

1904vernacular · January 12, 2023 7:01PM

Beautiful Seated Lib, did you notice what they sold for yesterday, definitely makes yours a timely purchase well made before the Bender dime auction.

Clackamas1 · January 12, 2023 7:11PM

Dang those are recent. So sorry.

Avocet · January 13, 2023 5:14PM

@1904vernacular said:
Beautiful Seated Lib, did you notice what they sold for yesterday, definitely makes yours a timely purchase well made before the Bender dime auction.

I have been watching those--- I am grateful to have this 1865 Liberty Seated Dime for sure

Scratched 1865 Liberty Seated Dime-- How Bad Is This?

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