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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,399 |
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Valued Member
United States
206 Posts |
I'm looking at two 3-cent nickels and just wanted to get some input from other members since I'm always leery of purchasing a coin that has been monkeyed with. I know it common for these type coins to be weakly struck which is why I'm having a little difficulty discerning a grade (and thus a fair price). I didn't see anything of major concern on the first one, in fact it actually exhibits a pretty nice die clash (more obvious in hand) and some reverse die breaks. The only concern I have is that the hair doesn't seem to have much detail, especially the lock under the ear (but maybe this is just weakness of strike?). There is some faint magenta coloration (toning or patina?) on the obverse which makes me think the surface is original. I know the photos aren't ideal--did the best I could with the old camera phone at the shop.   The second is a little more suspect, it looks like it might have been wiped (parallel lines under chin and on cheek). Additionally the strike seems very weak (one of the denticles above 2nd "S" is completely missing and the "LIBERTY" in the coronet is faint. Reverse looks okay and it has two neat die breaks at 11:00 and 1:00. (Dang, these pics are even worse, sorry):   I'd probably grade these AU-50. He is asking $70 for each one which seems a tad high, but he'd probably come down a little. Grateful for any comments! -Chris |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4409 Posts |
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Valued Member
 United States
206 Posts |
Wow! Those are some pretty bold clash examples. The one I'm looking at is nearly as strong as those, but it is much more obvious than the other die clash I have (a nice MS 1945 Lincoln)
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Valued Member
United States
406 Posts |
For my money and given the photos I would try to get the first for around $50 and stay away from the second. Die clashing is common on these coins but can add to the coolness factor. Not something to pay big for, however. Best Regards,  George |
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Valued Member
United States
206 Posts |
That was what pretty much what I was thinking, giorgio. Thanks for providing a second opinion!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3453 Posts |
I agree that the 1867 may have been cleaned at some point and the 1865 is the nicer of the two. The hair is weaker on the right as well as the lettering, which is why I thnk it is more than 50. Now I would place the 1865 at mid to high AU, the hair is a striking weakness. Look at the lines on the III, they are decently defined, much better than alot of other 1865s out there. Yes, there are stronger IIIs out there as well but considering the wear on the die, it is pretty good. The discoloration between the lines is a little disconcerting but I suspect that it is the photo (or possibly my iPad). Keep us up to date once you get it in hand.  |
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Valued Member
United States
206 Posts |
Thanks for the input, CoinsKelly. I was thinking that the "wear" differential between reverse and obverse was a little odd. It does make more since as simply a weakness of strike issue. I'm planning to stop in again on Monday, hopefully it will still be there.
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Valued Member
United States
206 Posts |
Well, I pulled the trigger and was able to get the 1865 for $60. I'm not sure if my in-hand pictures are any better than the ones already posted...I need a better setup! They look grainy and the die clash is not too obvious in these photos (it's most obvious to the left of the left "I" on the reverse) I'm thinking AU-55 tops, there is some luster but it doesn't look the same as on a silver coin. I've noticed this on some of my MS Buffaloes as well: the cartwheel luster seems less obvious and there is a very light "bronzish" toning. There are also some spots of light purple and pale yellow and green as seems common on toned silver coins. I assume this is all normal? Thanks for looking!   |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Nicely done. Everything you're mentioning is normal; nickel doesn't carry luster the way silver does so a comparison isn't appropriate, and the colors are OK as well.
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Valued Member
United States
206 Posts |
Thanks, SsuperDdave! I'm learning a little more every time I post!
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,399 |
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Posted 04/17/2014 10:14 pm
