| Author |
 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,186 |
|
|
Valued Member
United States
65 Posts |
Hello, I've always been interested in coin collecting, but never really had a goal until the early 1990's when I decided on Early American Coppers. After a bit of thought I decided to try collecting the best of each year of US Large Cents from 1840-57, and was well on my way when in 2002 I ran into health problems which required lots of money. I had to sell what I had collected. Life was not kind for the next thirteen years, and finally things are looking better. Seems that retirement has some benefits. This year I attended the Long Beach Coin and Collectables Expo for the first time in thirteen years. I visited with several of the dealers who had helped me in my first attempt at collecting. I ended up purchasing my first Large Cent, an 1851 AU coin, and have again fallen for the ladies. After such a long time away I have forgotten much of what I had learned about these wonderful coins. I am hoping there are those here who specialize in these coins, and that I can get some help in understanding things such as die states and the EAC grading system. Caley Ann |
|
|
|
Valued Member
United States
467 Posts |
I am not an expert on any coin and don't specialize in the kind you mention. But I wanted to say welcome. As someone who once collected, sold everything they had and then got back into it strongly a few years ago...I understand where you are coming from on that. Glad to hear that retirement is treating you well also!
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4211 Posts |
[  Caley! There are some really great folks here that will be more than happy to help and answer questions. Glad things have improved for you lately. |
|
Bedrock of the Community
Canada
11922 Posts |
to the CCF! |
|
Valued Member
 United States
65 Posts |
Thanks all for the warm welcome.
I just received my second lady in the mail today from The Frisco Mint. It is another AU grade of an 1852 N-20 variety. The coin has total eye appeal, and only has two detracting things, a little red stain on the reverse, and what seems to be a problem with the edge of the coin from 12 to about 4 on the obverse. Otherwise this coin could be mistaken for an uncirculated. Caley Ann
Now that my funds are depleted, I again must accumulate them before the L.B. Expo in September. I am looking forward to seeing those who got me started, and of course, will be able to actually examine coins up close to hopefully make a selection for my third coin.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 United States
4589 Posts |
to CCF. I am by no means an EAC expert, I just have a dealer/friend who keeps trying to get me hooked. I have a few examples for my coins-in-circulation set. I think the shortest answer is that EAC grading differs from TPG grading. EAC grades technically ( ANA grading guide) and then net grades based on condition (e.g. VF20+ net F15 Average) TPG grades to market So the EAC grade may be several numbers lower than the TPG EAC grades are more nuanced about condition. Pretty much all copper coins roughly 200 years old have had some degree of cleaning and environmental conditions. TPGs expect pristine coins fresh from the mint. EAC people are not afraid of coins in the raw (many will crack the coins out or at least ignore 'the plastic' until they've done their own assessment). EAC people are rarely shy about telling the rest of us we are nuts with our TPG/crack habits. Random Google searches on EAC Grading will show you what I mean :) -----Burton 50+ year / Life / Emeritus ANA member (joined 12/1/1973) Life member: Numismatics International, CONECA Member: TNA, FtWCC, NETCC, EveryCountry (online) coin club Owned by three cats and a wife of 40+ years (joined 1983) Author: 3rd Edition of the Sample Slabs book, https://www.sampleslabs.info/ |
|
Moderator
 United States
187881 Posts |
to the Community! |
|
Valued Member
United States
65 Posts |
Burton, Thanks so much. I went to the EAC website and read about how the EAC grades their coins, and it is like you said, first the raw score, then down from there for any detracting things. My biggest trouble is the fact that apparently, most of these early American coppers when struck at the mint, were not always struck sharply, or parts of coins were struck weakly. This part of my problem does not relate to the die breaks that cause weak strikes in areas. I get the feeling that the mint, at the time was still learning, and dies were not always aligned properly. Also, when coin presses were being run by hand, some operators did not apply the same pressure as others operating the coin press. I've got a lot to learn about the characteristics of how these coins were made. I still look at photos of MS65 coins, and have trouble with the grade when the strike is not better than what I am seeing on an XF, which has worn down some. 1857 is a prime example of a date that seems to have all the coins weakly struck. JBuck, Thanks. Looks like you do a bit of advertising in your signature block. Yes, I do look on ebay, but am quite wary of a lot I see. I tend to deal only with dealers I have personally met, or who have a known reputation. Since I am trying to obtain the best coins possible, normally AU and MS, if I can afford them, most of what I see on ebay really does not interest me. Of course, if I see an XF coin that is absolutely outstanding, and it is a date I need, I definitely am going to consider it. BTW, this collection is not only for my enjoyment, but will eventually be inherited by someone in the family who can appreciate it, and if wanting to sell it, understand it is not a garage sale thing; that more than likely, it may need to be sold to either a reputable dealer, or possibly auctioned. Caley Ann |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
5202 Posts |
|
|
Valued Member
United States
252 Posts |
|
|
Valued Member
United States
71 Posts |
|
| |
Replies: 10 / Views: 1,186 |
|
Posted 02/22/2016 8:19 pm
