Frog, Goldeagle what distinguishing factor on these should I get picky about? Assembling goal on these is XF-low AU for all date/mm minus the big one. Am having difficulty finding choice examples that mimic PCGS truegrade pics. It appears to me at VF35 these things hit a cliff wear wise dropping like lead with wear on: thighs,chest, Liberty, ear and facial features. On reverse the wear seems always on both wing shoulders, chest, and left foot. Any slabed VF35 I have seen quickly turns me back in XF territory.
Frankly I have not seen an XF40 or 45 that bangs anywhere close to a PCGS AU50, seems sliders are banned at AU? What am soliciting is free knowledge to avoid pitfalls of series. Running with one eye closed on these.
Here is my premise- if you want AU wear their available "at a price" since this coin was my first in this series with major curve to learn is the long term path waiting for AU examples savviest? They require patience and fat bill roll.
These aren't
Indian cents or Wheat Cents, this series racks my brain.
Without intentionally bashing the small dealer section of the hobby I initially considerd some raw coins offered at various venues. What I saw was startling all appeared cleaned or literally polished, few had corrison or dents and all were priced at straight grade retail. I assumed by talking to sellers they really did not seem to know squat about the series other than what I know from 4 hours research. Yes that's pretty harsh but keep forefront I was ready to buy and at 400+ just for starters my reluctance was prudent and self justified.
On these definitely need someone to write it on a chalkboard for me.
The positive side of my diatribe is a potential 20 cent fanatic could join the slim file of double dime collectors. Something's missing in this series not finding 20 cent 101 guides out here just putters and quips nothing definitive. Its a dark room with crickets in my area for 20 cent pieces.
In Kansas talk I summarize: have seen mostly crappy 20 cent pieces around here and don't these dealers figure we can read and use Google search?
Man, I take it personal when someone trys and jip me.