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 Replies: 25 / Views: 10,723 |
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Pillar of the Community
Netherlands
626 Posts |
It would be my first 3 cents, so would like to hear some opinions on grade, value etc... I can get it for aproximatly $12,50 Is that cheap, average or expensive?   |
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Rest in Peace
United States
4078 Posts |
Numismedia.com has a 1868 Nickel Three-cent G at $15.00 and VG at $18.00 FMV. I'm no grader, but I hope this helps.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3486 Posts |
The following prices are from the January, 2012 issue of the Coin Dealer Newsletter which is a good place to start.
Asking prices for 1868:
Good $13.00
VG $14.00
Fine $15.00
VF $19.50
Add a reasonable dealer profit to these quotes and it is clear that a price of about USD 12,50 is very reasonable.
While I will not attempt to assign a numerical grade to this example I will give you my impressions.
The only thing that I question is the "Liberty". Perhaps the angle of the photo is off center. A very small concern.
The center of the word does not show clearly but I still see all seven letters.
Now on to what I LIKE!
The details around the two circumferences, called dentals because they resemble teeth, are very clear.
The obverse shows much detail in the hair, bonnet and ribbons.
On the reverse the visibility of the horizontal lines in each digit of the "III" is pleasant to see and the leaves show three dimensions.
The colour is good.
All in all, if USD 12,50 is within your coin budget then I say buy it.
And it looks better than the one which I have.
Matthew
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3486 Posts |
Some historical background. In 1847 the United States issue its first postage stamps. The rate of a first class postage stamp was $0.05. A few years later the rate was dropped to $0.03. In 1851 the first Three Cent coin appeared. In 1854 the first $3.00 gold coin was issued. It has been written that these two coins were issued to facilitate the purchase of the newer postage stamps. While both failed to appeal to the public, they provide us today with a very odd denomination to collect. Matthew |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4132 Posts |
I'm not an expert on the series, but that's a nice looking 3-cent, and that price is definitely on the cheap side. The condition is close to XF, IMHO.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5854 Posts |
 Numismedia has an EF-40 at a little over $40. I think there is a rim hit right above the M but for $12.50 I would go for it. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1432 Posts |
Quote:
that price is definitely on the cheap side
I would go for it |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3276 Posts |
I'll tell you what, you can buy it for that price, and if you don't like it, i'll take it off of you. I'll pay you what you paid and i'll pay the shipping! lol.
but really, i'd snag that coin at that price. Maybe it is just the pictures but it looks AU to me. I don't see anything wrong with it, and the obverse of these are weakly struck from what I have seen. So it looks more like a weaker strike to me than wear. Buy it!
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Valued Member
United States
154 Posts |
What is deceptive about the Three Cent piece is that the rims are usually the last to go. Unlike other coins, the hair and crown are the high points on a three-cent piece and are the first to wear down. To be labeled a "Very Fine" you must be able to read the full word "Liberty" on the crown, which is not visible. It is not an AU. At "Fine" the Three Cent piece is worth about $20.00 or less. Of course, the lack of a full "Liberty" may be the result of a poor strike. If the other features are clearly defined (hard to say with all the shadow), and the hair shows lots of detail, it might be an XF. If that is the case, the coin is worth more... closer to $40.00. Tough call. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
Go for it, the pictures are bad but its a high grade coin. It could indeed be an AU these as these are unevenly struck.
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Pillar of the Community
 Netherlands
626 Posts |
Thank you all guys, really great to hear all the tips and information!  If it wasn't for you guys here, I reguraly would have skipped a bunch of good coins! And bought some crappy ones   So I have ordered the coin, as those few euros wont harm me at the moment. And it is a good looking coin that I do not own yet, so thankt again for the stimulation  I will post some nice pics when I get the coin in hand |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
This coin is no worse than AU; the vertical lines in the reverse "I's" begin to disappear almost immediately in circulation. Knowing how difficult these were to strike fully, the reverse clearly tells the tale of a coin which has seen very little circulation regardless of the obverse. Coins circulate on both sides, y'know.  With that said, there's a hard rim ding at 2:30 obverse. The outward displacement of metal proves it's not a clip. This detracts from value. I'd call it cheap for the price, even if the price quoted was Euros and not Dollars. Well-bought. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3276 Posts |
Nice, some of you agreed with me :)
But yeah if you don't like it, send it my way! I'll give ya $20.
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Valued Member
United States
154 Posts |
Here is a pix of my 1865 3 Cent labeled VF by ANA  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
Quote:
It has been written that these two coins were issued to facilitate the purchase of the newer postage stamps.
While both failed to appeal to the public, they provide us
today with a very odd denomination to collect. Another odd denomination pair is the quarter and quarter iggle. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
cinemabon, classic case of a very differently struck coin I think.. I dont know if I would call yours VF though. More XF ish (35 minimum) but I believe its more worn than the OP's coin in actual wear.
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Replies: 25 / Views: 10,723 |
Posted 01/27/2012 12:22 pm
