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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,278 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
521 Posts |
I am really learning that the surfaces of copper coins are tricky. I've been looking for affordable examples of uncirculated copper coins, including IHC and 2-cent pieces. I figure the best I can afford is an UNC brown 2-cent. I found this listing and had a question about the surfaces. Why do the surfaces have this appearance? The pics are really close (when viewed on a PC) and you can get a good look at it; this one has anything but smooth surfaces. Also: would you consider purchasing this coin? Thanks, http://www.ebay.com/itm/14149184554...RK:MEBIDX:IT |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7375 Posts |
I'm not sure what's wrong with it, but the surfaces look porous. Maybe corroded, cleaned, etc. IMHO, definitely stay away from this coin. If you are just learning, only buy a slabbed example. You're right, copper surfaces are tricky.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
898 Posts |
It may just be the camera but yeah I would stay away just like Ed said. No idea what's actually causing that look to occur
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
Not an uncirculated, there is wear on the horizontal shield lines, and leaves, there is also a large scratch on the reverse, besides the surfaces looking porous or lightly corroded. Wait for another one, there are a lot of cheap 2 cent pieces out there in under MS64BN certified, keep looking the right one will pop up soon enough.
"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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Pillar of the Community
United States
604 Posts |
 It does look like it has some light porosity. Just wait, the right one will come along that you'll be proud to own and show. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5825 Posts |
I'm just wondering if that first coin is a cast copy.
The second one is a nice coin.
I like the die cracks on both sides.
If you could get it at the current bid that would be good, but not too much more than that.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1566 Posts |
Westcoin is the man to talk to.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
521 Posts |
Thanks for the feedback. TypeCoin: I like that one too. But the label on the back of the holder has been removed. The coin checks out on the NGC site. I was going to ask the seller why the label was ripped off but I got a message that the seller does not accept questions "due to high volume"
Sounds fishy to me, or is there an explanation: what do you think?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
Could have been a sticker covering the label? And it removed the label when someone removed the sticker? If it checks out on the NGC website, then I don't see why one should hesitate.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7375 Posts |
Seller won't answer questions due to high volume.....with only 300 feedbacks? That's a bit of a turn-off. Yea, the messed up holder will probably keep the price down. If I was going to crack it out, I'd be tempted to offer the guy $150 if it doesn't sell. IMO, just wait for a decent one to come along, there are plenty of them out there.
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Valued Member
United States
269 Posts |
Westcoin is right, not uncirculated. Noticed the flat surface of the arrowheads. They should be raised with a ridge down the middle.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
The first coin was very lightly etched with something long ago that allowed the grain of the metal to show prominently which is why it has the speckled appearance. You are seeing the difference in toning between the grains of the high and low zinc areas. The same thing that creates a wood grain copper only the mix was much more uniform here so you don't have the drawn out streaks. The coin is not an unc, as mentioned note the flat arrowheads. Also note the speckled appearance disappears in those flat areas.
The loss of the label on the second coin was from the removal of some thoughtless dealer or auction house label. That is a very early slab and the holograms there on the outside of the slab and they were rather delicate back then. Slabs of that vintage with intact holograms are not that easy to find anymore.
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,278 |
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Posted 02/06/2015 12:56 am
