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 Replies: 17 / Views: 2,547 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5362 Posts |
I don't know if I believe in luck, but a friend of mine is a "very fortunate" collector. I should start by saying that he is not a coin collector but often runs into coins while collecting furniture, dishes and various other collectables.
Well, I got a call this week and a friend of his found a "Luck Penny" sitting on the lintel above the front door of his house. In New England, it was common for builders to place a shinney new penny someplace in a new building for luck. This is one of those pennies.
It was uncovered while his home was undergoing rennovations and the contractor who found it gave it to the home-owner who called my friend. (That was a stroke of luck all by itself.)
The house was built in 1804 by a ship captain, but the penny was dated 1801.
On a lark, and since he had the penny in his hand, I asked him to read the fraction under the wreath on the reverse. 1/000 was the reply. I confirmed 1/000 not 1/100. Yes 1/000.
After, I got up I asked him how worn out it was. Well, it is dark BUT looks new. I asked about the hair above the ear and at the top of the head. VERY clear he said.
He also said that they found two other pennies in the house - an 1802 which was found under a porch support (corroded) and a possibly French coin with some numbers counterstamped into it. So I asked how much does the guy want for the coins? He said he wanted $800.
The coins were mailed to me today by registered mail. When I have them in my possession I will continue with the story. Edited by swamperbob
02/23/2007 2:10 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
830 Posts |
Sounds to me like you are the lucky one !!!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4589 Posts |
WOW !!! I can not wait to hear the rest of the story
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Holy cow! All you need from that 1801 is F12 to make your money back, and this one sounds as if it could be Mint State. If that's the case, this is an extremely important discovery.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1267 Posts |
Wow!!!  An 1801 1C 3 Errors in NGC MS63 Brown sold in 2005 for $138k. |
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Valued Member
United States
191 Posts |
Can't wait to see the pics....sounds like a great score!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
577 Posts |
Did you ever end up receiving this coin? I'm still intrigued!
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Valued Member
United States
73 Posts |
Keep us all posted!!
Coinmaniac
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5362 Posts |
The coin finally came in. It is the 1/000 - but that is the only error. The coin does have some wear as well, I am submitting it to be graded - I believe it will be between VF and EF. My camera is not working right now but I will get pictures as soon as possible. It is still worth more than the $800 but not by as large a margin.
Oh well, you win some and you lose some. Can't be too greedy.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2269 Posts |
The story that goes along with it, is the real treasure. Good luck with the grading.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
764 Posts |
i wonder which will sell for more; the penny or the house?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5362 Posts |
Actually the house sold last for near $800,000 as far as I know.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
764 Posts |
in that case, I would say the house =|
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5362 Posts |
I have taken the coin to several dealers who were at the Raleigh Coin Show this weekend. No question on authenticity but a WIDE range on condition. The low was VF20 as a net downgrade because of some "corrosion" that no one else noticed. He wanted to buy it for $350. There were 4 dealers who gave it EF, one said High EF and one fellow considered to be an expert on Large Cents said it might get AU from a TPG. He actually studied it longest. I think I will take it to the ANA Show in Charlotte next weekend and have the TPG serives take a peek at it. |
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Valued Member
United States
346 Posts |
Very interesting story, nice find dude. Hope you get your money's worth in the end.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2600 Posts |
Swamper, close your eyes and concentrate on the spinning image in the distance. You are getting very sleepy. Now repeat after me, send this coin to Jim, send this coin to Jim.  |
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Replies: 17 / Views: 2,547 |
Posted 02/23/2007 3:24 pm
