| Author |
 Replies: 19 / Views: 3,000 |
|
Valued Member
United States
109 Posts |
Well I've been looking into expanding my collection once again (early US coins being my favorite topic) and I happened upon this piece. I'm definitely prepared to shell out the cash for this one, it's simply too appealing for someone with a very limited income. However, even though I realize that it's not in GREAT shape, it looks better than quite a few of the similar pieces I found on the 'Bay, but proportionally seems quite cheap. If anyone could help me out as to advising me on whether or not this is real, before I make the purchase. Thank you for your help! http://www.ebay.com/itm/1803-Draped...AOSwoudW7fe4 |
|
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1602 Posts |
With this much environmental damage it must be real. I haven't seen others exactly like it which is another indicator of real. Finally, Fair View has a good rep, if that's any help.
The maybe part is that I don't have much experience with this coin, so before you push the button, wait for some more input.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
It's real, but severely corroded. I would recommend finding something else.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4417 Posts |
While I'd say that the piece you like is genuine and does show much more detail than comparably priced coins of this type, I'd not recommend purchasing it. The surfaces are "scudzy" - corroded. Here's a comparably priced type coin that illustrates far less detail but has far better surfaces. Collector-wise, this coin is far more pleasing and salable, I'd say ... http://www.ebay.com/itm/1803-Draped...AOSwaB5XngGDIf more detail is desired, save your money and spend $200 or more for a problem-free example with appealing surfaces. My avatar is a damaged 1803, counterstamped, but I bought it for the history, and I enjoy seeing it for that reason. When it comes to buying type coins in general, I'm of the opinion that a collector is better off buying one coin in a desirable grade than ten scudzy coins. Here's one that I like for the money ... http://www.ebay.com/itm/1803-Draped...AOSwl9BWMrG3 The surfaces are decent for this good coin. It's the corrected fraction 100/000 variety which adds interest. Also, note that there are two watchers, so it's appealing to others. Edited by ExoGuy
08/01/2016 08:05 am
|
|
Moderator
 United States
54282 Posts |
Quote:
When it comes to buying type coins in general, I'm of the opinion that a collector is better off buying one coin in a desirable grade than ten scudzy coins. Please define "better off". I only ask to research what people think "a collector" should collect. Show your financial support of the Coin Community Family (click here)See my topic on Mexican Numismatic Medals (click here) |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4417 Posts |
Quote:
Please define "better off." By "better off" I mean in general terms, but with an eye to the future. We all collect with different goals or purposes in mind. Here are some specifics ... The beauty or artistry of design The history that can be connected to pieces The financial investment The joy of owning pieces that few other collectors have seen The satisfaction of learning The pleasure of exhibiting or writing about pieces The pride of assembling or defining a set of coins/tokens ... etc. For an entry level collector, thinking of acquiring a type coin that he'll appreciate for years to come, I'd suggest a problem-free, affordable specimen. On the other hand, if condition doesn't matter, why ask? Just buy whatever catches your eye. It can boil down to whether one wants to be a hoarder, buying willy-nilly, or to build a meaningful collection. The OP said that he has a "very limited income" and, reading between the lines, that concerns me. Experience tells me that problem-free coins are far more salable when finances are a concern. Edited by ExoGuy
08/01/2016 08:58 am
|
|
Valued Member
 United States
109 Posts |
T think that it depends on what part of the detail of the coin you appreciate most. I'll admit that the coin is in pretty bad shape, I can appreciate the details that are still there. I'm not sure now, I'll have to look around and see what else is hanging around in the Bay, or look around when I'm in Hammond next.
|
|
CCF Advertiser
United States
1533 Posts |
Without the corrosion with fine details it would be a $150 coin, so I think at $48 with Good bid at $70, its a fair deal. Whether a collector "should" buy a fine with corrosion over a solid Good-4 or not is not a question any of us should even attempt to answer.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4469 Posts |
I like the coin as it has an unusual eye appeal with the red copper peaking through on the obverse, and the coin shows a lot of the details of the original design. I typically do not collect problem coins, but I do own a couple corroded coins that I find attractive. What is the down side, maybe you can only resell the coin for $28, and the coin would not go up in value like a problem free example.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4417 Posts |
Just for the record, folks, I wasn't telling the OP what he should or should not buy. The OP asked for opinions about the piece, and I voiced mine. I suggested a comparison coin to illustrate my thinking. Few collectors, I expect, have ever not experienced buyer's remorse at some time or another. I just wanted to offer my Two Cents on the piece and suggest that collectors will fare better if they apply a goal oriented approach when it comes to making purchases. Whether this coin is worth $50 or $70 is, IMHO, highly debatable. A few years ago, I put some common, obsolete coins in an antique auction. One vinyl page of Mercury dimes, twenty coins, realized $120. A well worn $1 silver certificate realized $9. My point in relating this is that there are always exceptions to the rule. Having attended hundreds of coin shows for over forty years now, experience tells me that most coppers' dealers would sell a coin like that 1803 in the $25-$30 range, at most. |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
7375 Posts |
It's real, but my goodness, it's overpriced. Shop around a bit, and you can find a low grade 1803 with less problems for less money. just my .02
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
I could not agree more - well said.  |
|
Valued Member
United States
169 Posts |
genuine but I too would recommend shopping for a little better surfaces even if you light on another corroded coin.even an au detailed coin with too much corrosion can be worth a small fraction of book values.I'm a collector at heart but book values/future appreciation are part of collecting
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Genuine, common vareity S-260 R-1. Nice detail but badly corroded/beaten. I would say that his asking price is top end value for the piece. I wouldn't mind it at $35, but $48 is just a little steep. Fair price is probably around $45. He offers free shipping so that could move the fair price up a bit.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
I don't have a problem buying problem coins, as long as they can be
bought at the right price. To me a right price would one where I could
have no problem selling it for the same price, if I decided to sell.
I would like this 1803 better in the $25 range.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1959 Posts |
Put me down as a "ditto" for what Exoguy said. My opinion lines up with his. I think it is solid advice.
|
| |
Replies: 19 / Views: 3,000 |
Posted 08/01/2016 07:31 am
