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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,343 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1083 Posts |
About a month ago I attended an auction and bid and won a raw 1851 Three Cent Silver. It was undoubtedly one of the best three centers I have ever seen. Not a trace of wear and lots of original luster and well struck. I took it down to my dealer who told me it was AU. I asked him to show me why and he hemmed and hawed around, and finally said he just didn't like to send any one's coins off to PCGS except close friends because it just was more trouble than it was worth. He finally offered to send it in with another large group of coins he was sending for twenty bucks. Sometime this week I will get it back from PCGS. Was my knowledgeable dealer just trying to discourage me because it was too much trouble for him to mess with, or did he really think it wouldn't slab above AU? I don't think I am that bad a grader, having had some experience. I never send coins off to be slabbed, but if this one is the 64 or 65 that I think it is and it slabs, I will have made a great deal. I bought it to upgrade the VF-20 1858 I have in my 7070, but I just had to get a professional opinion on this one. When I get it back I will let you know how it comes out and maybe post some pictures. It is a really nice little Trime. Still dreaming in the Heartland. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1429 Posts |
Dealers tend to play down (by instinct) coins you show them, and play up coins they own.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
615 Posts |
If it comes back MS63+, then I would say something about it not being AU. Also, then next time you buy and disagree with the grade... you might want to point out..you are a better grader :)
-SWUSC
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New Member
United States
8 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
It is entirely possibly that the dealer is not fully familiar with the grading intricacies of 3CS coins. Since they are so small, they can be difficult to grade and do frequently have soft strikes.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1083 Posts |
Maybe Bio, but we both looked at it in his shop with an eight power loupe. The strike on this first year coin is strong and there are no signs of wear or old dipping or cleaning. You are correct it is a tiny coin, that is why I looked at it with my loupe before bidding. Of course it is always possible I have more to learn about grading these diminutive coins. We will see.
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
First-design 3CS's do not show AU wear easily; just on the edges of the shield and the high pints of the "spines" going to each star tip. The reverse is all but useless to grade from.  They tend to tone easily, obscuring vital details. Grading barely-circulated 3CN's, like Buffaloes, is rather like herding kittens. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1083 Posts |
That is my understanding also, Dave. For the life of me I did not see a trace of wear on the spines of the star or on the shield on this one, even under magnification. All edges are sharp. Still waiting.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1083 Posts |
No news yet. The coin has not been returned by PCGS to my dealer as of today (Friday). This wait is killing me.
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Pillar of the Community
Spain
1361 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1083 Posts |
It is a bit hard to post pictures when the coin is out for grading. If it slabs as a MS coin I will post pictures. If not, than me and my AU three center will be fading into the background again.
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,343 |
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Posted 02/17/2009 12:50 am
