1876 Newfoundland 5 Cent

Personally, I couldn't live with the scratch.

I agree with Coinfrog.

While I think the grade is fairly accurate (I would have put it at AU-50 due to the wear on the braid), it's the scratch that would make me pass...once you notice it...

The last two AU55 sold averaged less than $1500.
Where are you getting your price estimates from?
That coin should be AU50 and the scratch is a price killer.
Have patience, something better will come along, it may take many years to build the collection you want.

@The Deductable - yes, that's correct as regards Charlton. But if you look at the PCGS POP reports it shows that they have graded 32 1876 NFLD 5c. 7 are mint state (there are some spectacular pictures) and another 4 are graded AU - including I guess this one. I think I got carried away about this coin because it's among the top 11 graded by PCGS and, for such a rare coin, that is potentially exciting.

But, two things. One is, this is a variation of the rookie mistake of buying the holder and not the coin - a highly respected TPG that is creating more buzz than is possibly merited. Second, while the grade is certainly AU (though maybe not AU-55), the scratch is a major detractor and it should have been noted by the TPG - they can certainly list problems like this. So in that sense the coin is mis-graded.

If the scratch wasn't there then I would say it would be something that would sell for a very high price - my experience is that the trend prices break down when you get to the coins in the stratosphere... But a coin with a major problem like this can't be regarded as belonging in the stratosphere. I would grade it AU-50 with a major scratch - probably should be selling for $500 or less.

In late summer and fall I go in to the bush and search for mushrooms.
there are a lot of not so nice ones a very few very nice and tasty one.
so, do I take whatever there is offered on the ground? Heck NO
I apply my solid policy which is this:
You know when you know!
convert that to mean coins instead of mushrooms and you have your answer.

That isn't a large scratch. It looks imposing on the enlargement, but for a fish scale, it's not bad. The coin is definitely AU, but looks more like AU-50/AU-53. That's a really tough date above EF.

It really comes down to you and your collection. What attracts you to this particular coin? How long has it been since you had that reaction to another one? Does it fit the rest of your collection? If you look at this coin a year from now, will you see the beauty of the strike and the obverse, or will you only see the scratch? Which would make you more comfortable - this coin or the hole in the collection while waiting for another? If the price is making you pause, what price would make you buy the coin without pausing? Is the difference between those prices greater than your willingness to wait for another comparable coin to appear on the market?

Just some thoughts. We've all be on the bubble with coins. On a personal level, I can only share that I've regretted not buying some coins more than regretting the ones I've actually bought.

It's nice!! Congrats!

Nice to hear. It is a beauty!