Home U.S. Coin Forum

Tough Lesson for Someone - 3CN

Likely an 1865, but clearly not an 1885. Don't focus on the damaged third digit. The giveaway is that the date punches used for 1885 were much larger than those used on this coin. Compare a genuine one (left) vs the coin in question (right).

https://www.ebay.com/itm/127757529723

Comments

  • ajaanajaan Posts: 17,850 ✭✭✭✭✭

    So, PCGS got it wrong?


    DPOTD-3
    'Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery'

    CU #3245 B.N.A. #428


    Don
  • johnny9434johnny9434 Posts: 31,122 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I think you might be right on the buyer losing out. Will never know now I don't think

  • RedRocketRedRocket Posts: 1,067 ✭✭✭✭

    Out of tens of thousands of coins graded a month one or two will slip though. Maybe graded at a show?
    I bet PCGS will willingly purchase it back.

  • RayboRaybo Posts: 5,347 ✭✭✭✭✭

    How can anyone make a call with such a horrid image?

  • RayboRaybo Posts: 5,347 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I think PCGS had a way better view of the coin.

  • RedRocketRedRocket Posts: 1,067 ✭✭✭✭

    @Raybo said:
    How can anyone make a call with such a horrid image?

    Also, based off of the OP's choice for an avatar I'd bet dollar to donuts he knows that of which he speaks.
    (And, before you ask, yes- if you were to line up all of the primary colors, I'd easily identify the red.)

  • lermishlermish Posts: 4,547 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited March 29, 2026 12:11PM

    @RedRocket said:

    @Raybo said:
    How can anyone make a call with such a horrid image?

    Also, based off of the OP's choice for an avatar I'd bet dollar to donuts he knows that of which he speaks.
    (And, before you ask, yes- if you were to line up all of the primary colors, I'd easily identify the red.)

    Donuts cost more than a dollar, particularly if you go to a higher end, designer donut type place.

    Inflation has ruined that saying (or, inverted it's meaning)

    chopmarkedtradedollars.com

  • RedRocketRedRocket Posts: 1,067 ✭✭✭✭

    @lermish said:

    @RedRocket said:

    @Raybo said:
    How can anyone make a call with such a horrid image?

    Also, based off of the OP's choice for an avatar I'd bet dollar to donuts he knows that of which he speaks.
    (And, before you ask, yes- if you were to line up all of the primary colors, I'd easily identify the red.)

    Donuts cost more than a dollar, particularly if you go to a higher end, designer donut type place.

    Inflation has ruined that saying (or, inverted it's meaning)

    "Donut to dollars" doesn't have the same ring to it.

  • TypekatTypekat Posts: 632 ✭✭✭✭✭

    should the bet now be “Dozen donuts to your dollar?”

    30+ years coin shop experience (ret.) Coins, bullion, currency, scrap & interesting folks. Loved every minute!

  • MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 38,469 ✭✭✭✭✭

    wikipedia is indication it's plural on both which leaves open the possibility of more than a 1:1 ration

    however, on the precious metals forum, many would take long shelf life doughnut fixings over dollars

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • scubafuelscubafuel Posts: 2,037 ✭✭✭✭✭

    PCGS didn’t have to look at the coin through the bottom of a coke bottle. And corrosion can change the size of details on a coin.

  • MFeldMFeld Posts: 16,181 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Typekat said:
    should the bet now be “Dozen donuts to your dollar?”

    No, because the value of doughnuts has increased.The bet should be something along the lines of “Dollars to fewer doughnuts” 😉

    Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.

  • braddickbraddick Posts: 25,021 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited March 29, 2026 5:35PM

    Sadly, a $20. coin was sold for 1K+

    I'm sure all parties will be made whole.

  • MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 38,469 ✭✭✭✭✭

    d'ough!

    this isn't a cheat thread. sorry.

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • skier07skier07 Posts: 4,665 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @lermish said:

    @RedRocket said:

    @Raybo said:
    How can anyone make a call with such a horrid image?

    Also, based off of the OP's choice for an avatar I'd bet dollar to donuts he knows that of which he speaks.
    (And, before you ask, yes- if you were to line up all of the primary colors, I'd easily identify the red.)

    Donuts cost more than a dollar, particularly if you go to a higher end, designer donut type place.

    Inflation has ruined that saying (or, inverted it's meaning)

    Dunkin Donuts sells day old donuts for less than a dollar.

  • RedRocketRedRocket Posts: 1,067 ✭✭✭✭

    @skier07 said:

    @lermish said:

    @RedRocket said:

    @Raybo said:
    How can anyone make a call with such a horrid image?

    Also, based off of the OP's choice for an avatar I'd bet dollar to donuts he knows that of which he speaks.
    (And, before you ask, yes- if you were to line up all of the primary colors, I'd easily identify the red.)

    Donuts cost more than a dollar, particularly if you go to a higher end, designer donut type place.

    Inflation has ruined that saying (or, inverted it's meaning)

    Dunkin Donuts sells day old donuts for less than a dollar.

    Dunkin Donuts dropped the 'Donuts' a few months ago.

    It's just Dunkin.
    (They make 5Xs the profit in their coffee vs their donuts.)

  • TypekatTypekat Posts: 632 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Alright, @mfeld, here’s the dope (archaic usage):

    In that vague period called Back in the Day, in response to someone’s preposterous statement,
    you might challenge that with the well-known phrase “Bet you a dollar to a doughnut that ain’t so”, a doughnut being worth about a nickel.

    “Dollars to a few donuts” is unprecise and rhetorically lame.

    I dunno, maybe “Dunkin Franchise to a Dollar” would do the job.

    30+ years coin shop experience (ret.) Coins, bullion, currency, scrap & interesting folks. Loved every minute!

  • CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 33,575 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited March 30, 2026 6:57AM

    @yosclimber said:

    Here's a similar comparison. Middle image redone with contrast enhance from original ebay photo 3.
    Note: there are several different date positions for 1865 and I picked a high one.

    Well done! And, I had never noticed the difference in thye denticles before.

    Numismatist. 54 year member ANA. Former ANA Senior Authenticator. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and ANA Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Author of "The Enigmatic Lincoln Cents of 1922," Available now from Whitman or Amazon.
  • BarberianBarberian Posts: 4,643 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @skier07 said:

    @lermish said:

    @RedRocket said:

    @Raybo said:
    How can anyone make a call with such a horrid image?

    Also, based off of the OP's choice for an avatar I'd bet dollar to donuts he knows that of which he speaks.
    (And, before you ask, yes- if you were to line up all of the primary colors, I'd easily identify the red.)

    Donuts cost more than a dollar, particularly if you go to a higher end, designer donut type place.

    Inflation has ruined that saying (or, inverted it's meaning)

    Dunkin Donuts sells day old donuts for less than a dollar.

    Really? DD's day-old donuts used to be free for dumpster divers.

  • MaywoodMaywood Posts: 3,887 ✭✭✭✭✭

    There is no such thing as a stale doughnut since the microwave oven was introduced.

    "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety," --- Benjamin Franklin

  • safari_dudesafari_dude Posts: 494 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MFeld said:

    ……

    No, because the value of doughnuts has increased.The bet should be something along the lines of “Dollars to fewer doughnuts” 😉

    Very true…and now it’s ‘a nickel for your thoughts’……Inflation….go figure…..🤪😂

  • johnny9434johnny9434 Posts: 31,122 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MsMorrisine said:
    d'ough!

    this isn't a cheat thread. sorry.

    When all else fails 😉

  • RedRocketRedRocket Posts: 1,067 ✭✭✭✭

    @Maywood said:
    There is no such thing as a stale doughnut since the microwave oven was introduced.

    Off topic.
    This isn't a microwave thread.
    It's a donut thread.

    Please remain on topic.

  • MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 38,469 ✭✭✭✭✭

    off topic
    this is a true 3cn thread
    not a cheat thread

    please remain on topic

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • jesbrokenjesbroken Posts: 11,080 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Any chance the holder is not authentic?
    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
  • Bad photo of the sold item, but would anyone be willing to conclude that this is definitely an altered-date coin? That third digit is pretty wonky.

    Serving the greater Mechanicsburg and Camp Hill, PA area
    https://zenithbullionconsulting.wordpress.com/

  • jacrispiesjacrispies Posts: 1,405 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Barberian said:

    @skier07 said:

    @lermish said:

    @RedRocket said:

    @Raybo said:
    How can anyone make a call with such a horrid image?

    Also, based off of the OP's choice for an avatar I'd bet dollar to donuts he knows that of which he speaks.
    (And, before you ask, yes- if you were to line up all of the primary colors, I'd easily identify the red.)

    Donuts cost more than a dollar, particularly if you go to a higher end, designer donut type place.

    Inflation has ruined that saying (or, inverted it's meaning)

    Dunkin Donuts sells day old donuts for less than a dollar.

    Really? DD's day-old donuts used to be free for dumpster divers.

    That would be Krispy Kreme. Dumpsters are full. If you want dinner before donuts, go to the Little Caesars dumpsters.

    "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
    BHNC #AN-10
    JRCS #1606

  • RedRocketRedRocket Posts: 1,067 ✭✭✭✭

    @jacrispies said:

    @Barberian said:

    @skier07 said:

    @lermish said:

    @RedRocket said:

    @Raybo said:
    How can anyone make a call with such a horrid image?

    Also, based off of the OP's choice for an avatar I'd bet dollar to donuts he knows that of which he speaks.
    (And, before you ask, yes- if you were to line up all of the primary colors, I'd easily identify the red.)

    Donuts cost more than a dollar, particularly if you go to a higher end, designer donut type place.

    Inflation has ruined that saying (or, inverted it's meaning)

    Dunkin Donuts sells day old donuts for less than a dollar.

    Really? DD's day-old donuts used to be free for dumpster divers.

    That would be Krispy Kreme. Dumpsters are full. If you want dinner before donuts, go to the Little Caesars dumpsters.

    I think I'll pass.
    I'd rather work for a living and pay full price.

  • jacrispiesjacrispies Posts: 1,405 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @RedRocket said:

    @jacrispies said:

    @Barberian said:

    @skier07 said:

    @lermish said:

    @RedRocket said:

    @Raybo said:
    How can anyone make a call with such a horrid image?

    Also, based off of the OP's choice for an avatar I'd bet dollar to donuts he knows that of which he speaks.
    (And, before you ask, yes- if you were to line up all of the primary colors, I'd easily identify the red.)

    Donuts cost more than a dollar, particularly if you go to a higher end, designer donut type place.

    Inflation has ruined that saying (or, inverted it's meaning)

    Dunkin Donuts sells day old donuts for less than a dollar.

    Really? DD's day-old donuts used to be free for dumpster divers.

    That would be Krispy Kreme. Dumpsters are full. If you want dinner before donuts, go to the Little Caesars dumpsters.

    I think I'll pass.
    I'd rather work for a living and pay full price.

    Think about it. Your immune system would be strengthened, no stress about meal prep, and you can allocate more spending money to your coin addiction. It's the most ideal lifestyle. Fun for the kids.

    "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
    BHNC #AN-10
    JRCS #1606

  • MFeldMFeld Posts: 16,181 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @jacrispies said:

    @RedRocket said:

    @jacrispies said:

    @Barberian said:

    @skier07 said:

    @lermish said:

    @RedRocket said:

    @Raybo said:
    How can anyone make a call with such a horrid image?

    Also, based off of the OP's choice for an avatar I'd bet dollar to donuts he knows that of which he speaks.
    (And, before you ask, yes- if you were to line up all of the primary colors, I'd easily identify the red.)

    Donuts cost more than a dollar, particularly if you go to a higher end, designer donut type place.

    Inflation has ruined that saying (or, inverted it's meaning)

    Dunkin Donuts sells day old donuts for less than a dollar.

    Really? DD's day-old donuts used to be free for dumpster divers.

    That would be Krispy Kreme. Dumpsters are full. If you want dinner before donuts, go to the Little Caesars dumpsters.

    I think I'll pass.
    I'd rather work for a living and pay full price.

    Think about it. Your immune system would be strengthened, no stress about meal prep, and you can allocate more spending money to your coin addiction. It's the most ideal lifestyle. Fun for the kids.

    You don’t happen to operate a large number of Little Caesar’s and Krispy Kreme dumpsters, do you? You sound like an excellent promoter.😉

    Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.

  • ProofCollectionProofCollection Posts: 7,593 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @johnny9434 said:
    I think you might be right on the buyer losing out. Will never know now I don't think

    That's why the PCGS Guarantee program exists and why we pay for PCGS certification. The buyer will not lose out thanks to our host's guarantee program.

  • RedRocketRedRocket Posts: 1,067 ✭✭✭✭

    @jacrispies said:

    @RedRocket said:

    @jacrispies said:

    @Barberian said:

    @skier07 said:

    @lermish said:

    @RedRocket said:

    @Raybo said:
    How can anyone make a call with such a horrid image?

    Also, based off of the OP's choice for an avatar I'd bet dollar to donuts he knows that of which he speaks.
    (And, before you ask, yes- if you were to line up all of the primary colors, I'd easily identify the red.)

    Donuts cost more than a dollar, particularly if you go to a higher end, designer donut type place.

    Inflation has ruined that saying (or, inverted it's meaning)

    Dunkin Donuts sells day old donuts for less than a dollar.

    Really? DD's day-old donuts used to be free for dumpster divers.

    That would be Krispy Kreme. Dumpsters are full. If you want dinner before donuts, go to the Little Caesars dumpsters.

    I think I'll pass.
    I'd rather work for a living and pay full price.

    Think about it. Your immune system would be strengthened, no stress about meal prep, and you can allocate more spending money to your coin addiction. It's the most ideal lifestyle. Fun for the kids.

    Tell me what your favorite topping is and next time I discard leftover pizzas into the garbage I'll think of you.

  • TrickleChargeTrickleCharge Posts: 379 ✭✭✭✭

    @ProofCollection said:

    @johnny9434 said:
    I think you might be right on the buyer losing out. Will never know now I don't think

    That's why the PCGS Guarantee program exists and why we pay for PCGS certification. The buyer will not lose out thanks to our host's guarantee program.

    Not necessarily. PCGS could claim that it is a mechanical error and void any guarantee.

  • TrickleChargeTrickleCharge Posts: 379 ✭✭✭✭

    @ZenithBullionPA said:
    Bad photo of the sold item, but would anyone be willing to conclude that this is definitely an altered-date coin? That third digit is pretty wonky.

    It's an 'altered' date, but probably not intentionally. Wear and corrosion, plus some random damage in just the right spot probably lead the submitter to believe it was an 1885 and they likely submitted it as such. The date height shows that it isn't an 1885 though as @yosclimber very expertly showed with his image comparisons.

  • jacrispiesjacrispies Posts: 1,405 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @RedRocket said:

    @jacrispies said:

    @RedRocket said:

    @jacrispies said:

    @Barberian said:

    @skier07 said:

    @lermish said:

    @RedRocket said:

    @Raybo said:
    How can anyone make a call with such a horrid image?

    Also, based off of the OP's choice for an avatar I'd bet dollar to donuts he knows that of which he speaks.
    (And, before you ask, yes- if you were to line up all of the primary colors, I'd easily identify the red.)

    Donuts cost more than a dollar, particularly if you go to a higher end, designer donut type place.

    Inflation has ruined that saying (or, inverted it's meaning)

    Dunkin Donuts sells day old donuts for less than a dollar.

    Really? DD's day-old donuts used to be free for dumpster divers.

    That would be Krispy Kreme. Dumpsters are full. If you want dinner before donuts, go to the Little Caesars dumpsters.

    I think I'll pass.
    I'd rather work for a living and pay full price.

    Think about it. Your immune system would be strengthened, no stress about meal prep, and you can allocate more spending money to your coin addiction. It's the most ideal lifestyle. Fun for the kids.

    Tell me what your favorite topping is and next time I discard leftover pizzas into the garbage I'll think of you.

    I like a half and half type pizza.

    Half 1807 O-111b Bearded Goddess half dollars and half 1817/4 O-102 half dollars. Let me know when to pickup.

    "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
    BHNC #AN-10
    JRCS #1606

  • CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 33,575 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @TrickleCharge said:

    @ZenithBullionPA said:
    Bad photo of the sold item, but would anyone be willing to conclude that this is definitely an altered-date coin? That third digit is pretty wonky.

    It's an 'altered' date, but probably not intentionally. Wear and corrosion, plus some random damage in just the right spot probably lead the submitter to believe it was an 1885 and they likely submitted it as such. The date height shows that it isn't an 1885 though as @yosclimber very expertly showed with his image comparisons.

    My guess, based upon those bad photographs, is that it is random damage.

    Numismatist. 54 year member ANA. Former ANA Senior Authenticator. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and ANA Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Author of "The Enigmatic Lincoln Cents of 1922," Available now from Whitman or Amazon.
  • TrickleChargeTrickleCharge Posts: 379 ✭✭✭✭

    @CaptHenway said:

    @TrickleCharge said:

    @ZenithBullionPA said:
    Bad photo of the sold item, but would anyone be willing to conclude that this is definitely an altered-date coin? That third digit is pretty wonky.

    It's an 'altered' date, but probably not intentionally. Wear and corrosion, plus some random damage in just the right spot probably lead the submitter to believe it was an 1885 and they likely submitted it as such. The date height shows that it isn't an 1885 though as @yosclimber very expertly showed with his image comparisons.

    My guess, based upon those bad photographs, is that it is random damage.

    Agreed. It wouldn't be the first coin where random damage tricked someone into seeing what isn't there.

  • BarberianBarberian Posts: 4,643 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 1, 2026 6:04PM

    @jacrispies said:

    @Barberian said:

    @skier07 said:

    @lermish said:

    @RedRocket said:

    @Raybo said:
    How can anyone make a call with such a horrid image?

    Also, based off of the OP's choice for an avatar I'd bet dollar to donuts he knows that of which he speaks.
    (And, before you ask, yes- if you were to line up all of the primary colors, I'd easily identify the red.)

    Donuts cost more than a dollar, particularly if you go to a higher end, designer donut type place.

    Inflation has ruined that saying (or, inverted it's meaning)

    Dunkin Donuts sells day old donuts for less than a dollar.

    Really? DD's day-old donuts used to be free for dumpster divers.

    That would be Krispy Kreme. Dumpsters are full. If you want dinner before donuts, go to the Little Caesars dumpsters.

    I already know that. I sort through dozens of pizza slices every time I dumpster dive at convenience store/gas stations. It is amazing how much dough and how many slices they toss every night. If you want beer, then go to any automated ice machine that has a dumpster. Sunday night, I scored almost a case of beer (Natural Light and Michelob Ultra) and a fifth of Bicardi Rum. My garage is filled with hundreds of full, sealed pop and beer cans.

  • rte592rte592 Posts: 2,149 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Raybo said:
    How can anyone make a call with such a horrid image?

    They buy the label.

  • ConnecticoinConnecticoin Posts: 13,250 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Wow, that looks like a huge miss by PCGS. Given they catch cheap misses by me (a few 38-D/D Buffs that really were not), I suspect this does not happen very often.

  • ashelandasheland Posts: 24,293 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I don’t care how bad I need a certain date, I just don’t think I could ever buy a coin with damage like that… 😖

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file