1871 2¢

I'd say VF-20 or 30. From the looks of the rim at the top of the obverse, it seems it was so weakly struck that not much of the "WE" (if any) was there to begin with.

If VG criteria is, "full rims are nearly always a requirement" where does this coin grade with its rim wear/no denticles? Given exceptions to the rule and this coin, I say it's VG one side, VF the other; net Fine.

This one is really hard to put a grade to. The first thing I look at on any 2 Cent is the WE. On this coin the WE is entirely missing, but the rest of the coin doesn't show that much wear. That makes me think weak strike or Grease Filled Die, or some combination of the two.

I think you could make a good case for any grade between F12 & VF30. I'd also like to see what nohope thinks, but isn't he in Trinidad or something?

Is that a die crack coming of the 2nd "A" in "America" or a scratch?

The weak strike makes it tough, but I'll go vf-20 obverse and vf-30 reverse.

I fully convinced myself each time I saw this coin that it was a very nice VF. I really based my opinion on the reverse. After taking it home and photographing it, I started having doubts and wonder if it's just a nice F15. I keep vascillating on this one each time I look at the details. Some details are really sharp and make me think VF. The IN GOD...TRUST is very sharp, the bow on the reverse is sharp, and when you tilt the coin in the light to look at the wear patterns (darkened area), it looks like VF wear. I would think Fine wear on this coin would show a constant dark pattern over the entire coin and some less sharp details of the items I noted above. I keep changing my mind on this one. I paid VF for it, but I could see why someone might argue F15 as a market grade due to obverse strike issues.

OK I can see a little better today and my head is a little clearer.
Before I begin I am no expert on this series. It just happens to be the one I am obsessed with.
Starting with the OBV.
The Wee is worn though it is possible to determine part of the W and E. The coin is slightly off center which is very common in this series. Hence the uneven wear. The arrow on the right is worn to the point where the shaft blends with the leaves and the horizontal shield lines have been worn smooth. The coin is slightly damaged in the middle as if some one was contemplating putting a hole in it. The fields look as if there was some corrosion on the coin in the past and there seems to be a slight amount of porosity. The details on the bottom of the shield have been worn into a single smooth surface. Where as the left side I would grade in the VF range the right I would only put in the VG range.
The REV
Again the fields appear grainy as if the coin has suffered corrosion in the past. The lettering is thick and flat due to wear. the Wreath to the left of the ribbon is worn to the point where the stalks blend in a couple of places again at the top of the wreath on the right the ears are almost blended.
Over all I would be inclined to stick with my F12 assessment from last night. Though I would not be surprised to see NGC call it F15.

This is what I would call VF35 sorry about the dust etc but my desk realy needed cleaning when I took the pics.




Please don't be swayed by my judgment. I repeat I am no expert.

Should have saved the pennies for one like this me thinks....
Sorry just had to show off a bit...