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 Replies: 19 / Views: 2,484 |
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Valued Member
United States
206 Posts |
I stopped in one of our local pawn shops and was surprised to find they had a nice collection of coins for sale. Some were priced a little high (particularly the gold), but a couple caught my eye: There was a 1923 SLQ that was marked AU (I'm going to confirm this with my ANA grading book when I go back tomorrow) for $80. The coin showed some light brown toning in the fields, bit still had some luster. The only thing that seemed odd were parallel striations in the field that almost had a wood-grain appearance. I know this is natural on some coins (I have seen this on copper and nickel, especially buffaloes), but I am not sure if this is a red flag--the strations do not appear to be scratches from any type of cleaning, and if it had been cleaned I wouldn't expect the light toning. The Flying Eagle cent was an 1858 graded XF and had a luster and color that seemed consistent with that grade. It was priced at $95. The only odd thing about it was that there seemed to be a little bit of raised metal on the lower left obverse rim. I'm not sure if that is an artifact of a fake casting or if that is a legitimate artifact of the mid-19th century minting process. The prices seemed fair if the coins are indeed unaltered. I think I am finally getting to the point where heavily polished coins stand out to me, and I did not experience any type of repulsion when I spotted these  . I know that pictures would be more helpful, but I'd appreciate any member's thoughts about what to look for with these type coins. Thanks! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2757 Posts |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Check the FE very carefully at that spot. Sometimes a rim hit, disguised by wear, can look like a Cud. The rim should remain perfectly round at that point. Neither are more than "decent" buys in the grades indicated, at the price. I'd be looking to talk the price downward - it's a pawn shop, he has room to dicker. |
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Valued Member
 United States
206 Posts |
It doesn't look like that, robbudo; it doesn't extend into the field of the coin at all. It just looks like a little raised bead that runs about the length of the date and sits on top of the rim. I only noticed it under magnification. The rim did not look dented, SsuperDdave, but I will indeed check again!
I had planned on making an offer on both together and trading in my old G-4 FE to negotiate a better price, that is of course, if I don't run across any red flags after a further examination.
Thanks for the responses so far.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7840 Posts |
How about some images?  Edited by oih82w8
08/22/2013 08:03 am
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Valued Member
United States
206 Posts |
I didn't have any means to take pictures at the pawn shop. I'll have to trust my instincts on this one. I'll post images if I decide to make a purchase!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3345 Posts |
sounds like you're describing a die crack chetzler
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Valued Member
United States
206 Posts |
I found an image that displays the same striations I mentioned above (although they are in a different direction). The coin in the shop is not as heavily toned as this one linked below and it is only an AU, but I am encouraged that it seems to exhibit the same characteristics and color as a slabbed coin: http://www.ebay.com/itm/37076469083...irect=mobile |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3843 Posts |
Remember that you should be able to negotiate pretty aggressively at a pawn shop. I've gotten a few to drop their prices by 50%.
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Valued Member
United States
206 Posts |
If you'll forgive my crude artistry, I'll post a sketch of the FEC as I remember it under magification:  I never thought about a die crack, rachums107. I've never seen one on the rim, but I suppose that is exactly what it could be. The combined listed price of the two coins is $175. I thought I'd open with $100 plus my old G-4 Flying Eagle that I suppose I'd value at $20-25. Any thoughts? I really appreciate all of the feedback! Edited by chetzler
08/22/2013 12:58 pm
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Valued Member
United States
206 Posts |
Well, I took another look at the coins today with my loupe. I think that the SLQ was over-graded. The eagle's breast and leg showed almost no detail and the edge of the right wing was flat. According to the ANA guide it would seem the coin would barely make XF on a good day. Perhaps this is just due to a weak strike but I really just don't have enough experience yet to make a call like that. It's too bad, I've really been looking for a nice cirulated specimen for my type set. The Flying Eagle looked good except for a tiny (we're talking maybe 1.5 mm) ding on the obverse rim: I could only see it under the loupe. SsuperDdave warned about edge dings but I'm wondering how much they affect the value. I terms of eye-appeal I (and that is really most important, I suppose) think the coin looks fine, but if even a small ding greatly affects the value, I'll most likely stay away. I have to say that this forum has really helped with my impulse control! It's great to have a sounding board to help keep me from getting too enamored with a coin and making a poor decision. Thanks, guys! |
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Valued Member
United States
206 Posts |
I still can't get these coins out of my mind. I stopped by the shop again to get some pics. I'm afraid the SLQ pics looked better on the camera screen; if they are useless, please let me know and I will remove them from this post. The Flying eagle pics are good. Both coins appear to be unaltered to my eye. The FEC does appear to have some faint pale greenish discoloration directly above "ONE" on the reverse, and there is also a spot above that. All opinions welcome, I already know the prices are a little high. Thanks!     Edited by chetzler
08/27/2013 7:57 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8516 Posts |
That's a really nice FE and its XF, offer him 80 bucks. He'll probably take it.
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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Valued Member
United States
206 Posts |
That was my thought, 52Raymo! The obverse is gorgeous and the reverse is not too bad; the spot is a little distracting, but I don't think it would bother me (I'm sure others might feel differently, though). There is a rim dent that really isn't evident in the photo (it is by the E in UNITED). Is that inconsequential enough to not detract from the value?
Also, the reverse is off-center. I have another FEC that is also off-center, is this common for this type?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
I also like that FE very nice coin! Snap it up for anything under $80.00, I'd try for $75.00 personally.
"Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013! ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector. See my want page: http://goccf.com/t/140440 |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:
I also like that FE very nice coin! Snap it up for anything under $80.00, I'd try for $75.00 personally.  Looks good to me toooooo |
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Replies: 19 / Views: 2,484 |
Posted 08/21/2013 8:12 pm
