1870 CC Seated Liberty Half Dollar

Okay my gut tells me to send it to NCS and have it cleaned. Problem is, that ain't cheap! 1% of the declared value (still unsure on what that should be. 10K ?) just to evaluate the coin, and another 4% if they opt to clean it. $500! Aren't I more than likely to still end up with a coin in a holder that says XF details - environmental damage ? So that being said, that is why I was leaning towards going with Heritage. They want to make as much as they can off the coin as well, so they would know upon looking at the coin if they thought the $500 spent on cleaning would recoup them that plus some. They're the pros, I'm not. I can't look at the coin and know what they can do for it. I mean I would love to see the charcoalish patina removed, it looks like it would come right off with a little tarnex.
You may not be able to tell from the pics but there really isn't any pitting or corrosion...it's just blackened. The surfaces that should be smooth are smooth. So if I decide to sell it I'm feeling Heritage is the way to go. But damn, I hate to give them part of it!
Now on the other hand, if I decide to keep it or at least not sell it right away ANACS is the cheapest. I know all of you would love a pic proving I found a genuine 1870 CC half....I'm not surprised by anyone's disbelief, I wouldn't believe it either. Correct me if I'm wrong but even if I go with ANACS couldn't I still submit it to NCS for cleaning and reholdered into a NGC or PGCS holder?
Furthermore, if I wanted to write an article for a magazine I have to have proof the coin is real if I expect them to publish. If I just send it off to Heritage I'll never get a photo of the coin and the documention to prove it's real.
So I guess I didn't answer your question. Sorry, I still don't know what I'm gonna do with this coin.

Heritage will know how to get the most money for the coin and will attract the buyers with the deepest pockets. Really, Stacks or Heritage is simply the right place to sell a coin like this. It's not like they're doing nothing for their commission. They will handle sending it off to a conservation service, TPG, etc. saving you at least part of those fees (e.g. you won't have to join the PCGS club), and they will have high-quality photographs for their auctions.

You can create an account on their site for free so you can see what their auctions and photos look like. At least give them a call, it doesn't hurt to talk to them.

I wouldn't count on making big bank off the story. I mean you might get paid for it, but it's going to be a nominal fee - the money here is in the coin!

This thread might be useful reading. A lucky individual inherited a Pan-Pacific commemorative set including a $50 octagonal gold piece and sold them on Heritage while CCF watched and bid excitedly.

well I'm pulling for ya--hopefully it comes out good!

I have never seen that thread before, I am glad it was posted.

Slightly off topic but,
BH1964, do you still own that Panama-Pacific G$1?

No, I sold it to my nephew and I believe he still has it if you're interested.

This something all us metal detecting folks dream of finding, a 'big' score! From what I see, the coin looks genuine, but getting it certified as the genuine article is the way to go. Makes my 1948 silver quarter find look pretty small! ;)

Any new updates Joe?