1809 Large Cent Condition

I'll say G-06.

LIBERTY is all there, but there's some corrosion in various nooks and crannies. Eye appeal isn't the greatest, so IMHO it seems slightly overpriced.

this is a difficult series to grade due to striking issues and problems with planchets. the 1809 is not easy to come by in decent condition. I agree with VG8 details due to the porosity of the planchet. I think the price you paid is pretty decent

Matthew23,

Thought I'd play with the photos a bit to give them some light as if we were looking at them under a halogen instead of some old florescent tubes in the coin shop.





Now I'm seeing the obverse a lot better, I don't like it at all, the reverse I'm good with. I don't think I could live with this coin in the long term in my collection, way too much green verdigris on the obverse, and signs of corrosion that is pitting the copper underneath, it will never look better than it does right now unfortunately, not a coin that can be improved with Care, Blue Ribbon or Verdi-Care IMO.

No amount of careful conservation and brushing will help it I'm afraid, I'd keep looking if I were in your shoes. I know these are hard to find but there are better ones out there I'm sure of it.

It's not a bad buy at the price you paid even if it's not the prettiest cent out there. You can always upgrade if a better one comes into your reach, and sell this one pretty easily I'm sure.

Only missing 1 did you get one of the big ones? 1799, 1804? I remember a few other holes in the set 1839 and 1857, you are on a roll then!

Such a great set!

Mathew23, I do know your set didn't include the 1793's they are out of most normal collectors league these days unfortunately. Don't over look electrotypes, there are a few very collectable and desirable yet affordable (in comparison) of 1799 and 1804 coins. Keep an eye out for them, Jack Behymer and sometimes Chris McCawley has them in their inventory. Put the word out in your want list to some of the other EAC dealers and you might get lucky, the pair should be $400-800 depending on who made the electrotype and their condition of course. Just an idea.

Finding the 1857 is easy, finding one that is nice and not overpriced or without lots of "issues" can be a tall order. I too have been looking for a nice one in the VF range for a little while with not too much lock they either have to many problems or the price is marked at least a grade higher than I'm willing to stretch.

Revising grade to G details (ED) based on second set of pics.