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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,490 |
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New Member
United States
3 Posts |
 I was given this coin many years ago when I was a kid, do you think I should have it graded? Any idea on what grade it might be? There is a dark, almost black spot on the reverse between the arrows, and some smaller dark spots between the numbers. Thanks in advance from a newbie.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1691 Posts |
possibly a spot of dirt or vertigris on reverse between arrow points...Value around $500-600(closed vs open 3) Grading services would bodybag... Genuine w/ MS-60 details.  Edited by atlashealth
11/08/2012 10:45 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
Looks like you have an Open 3 variety that is more common than the Closed 3. Really no need to certify this coin unless it's problem-free mint state. Your coin might grade problem-free but my guess is it would be AU (About uncirculated) if it did. As atlashealth noted, there is a good chance it would body-bag (no grade) for problems. Your coin would have a retail value around $300 as-is. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3234 Posts |
Looks like an AU55. Very nice. Probably not worth grading unless you're worried about authenticity.
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New Member
 United States
3 Posts |
Thanks for your insights. I appreciate it. Why do you think they would "body bag" it (I had to Google that). Is it only because of the verdigris (had to Google that, too), or you think there are other issues? I've had the coin for over 40 years (giving away my age), and I've never tried to clean it or do anything to it whatsoever. Another 1873, that I think was also open 3 closed on ebay last night for 281 www.ebay.com/itm/1873-2-5-GO.../271093080192. This one seems far superior to that one (to me, at least). Am I wrong? Here's a better look with a different camera:   Thanks again for replying. I have great respect for the deep knowledge and experience base here. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
misterpq (nice screen name by the way): Your coin does look better than the one in the auction you linked. That seller is well known for pulling in high bids on sub-par coins too though. This date really needs to grade Mint State to be worth TPG. Yours looks high AU to me with possible cleaning (see hairlines in reverse fields) and verdigris or some other environmental issue. That said, neither issue appears severe and your coin is close to MS. If I had $50 burning a hole in my pocket and wanted to see what happens, I'd go ahead and have it graded. If it did happen to grade AU58 problem-free it would push the value up close to $400 retail. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5854 Posts |
I think it would probably grade around AU-55 or 58. Not sure if it's verdigris or PVC. Maybe you can try some acetone to see if removes the spot.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6389 Posts |
I'd agree with solid AU detail and the faint hairlines plus the possible verdigris may constitute enough of a problem to warrant a Details grade.
I've never tried Bad Thad's Verdi-Care product on gold but supposedly it's safe for all metals. I wonder if it would reduce or eliminate the residue spot? Acetone would definitely be safe but I don't think it would touch that spot.
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
It'll probably get an AU-55, its an AU-58/MS lightly wiped giving the appearance of wear in the fields so I wouldn't say worth grading, but still a nice coin.
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New Member
United States
3 Posts |
Thanks again for all the insight and suggestions.
It turns out it wasn't verdigris, it was just that green felt you can see in the bottom pictures. I soaked it in distilled water for an hour, then removed it gently with a very small piece of a toothpick I cut up with a razor blade.
I put it up for a 5-day sale on a popular site with a reserve of only 250 based on you guys' price guidance. We'll see what happens. Not allowed to post a link, but not rocket science to find it if you're curious.
Thanks again.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
Congratulations on an excellent auction result! Two bidders must have viewed it as a Mint State coin.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8904 Posts |
I'm glad the CCF could help.
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,490 |
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Posted 11/09/2012 12:44 am
