1850 Coronet Cent - Trying To Learn

I'd be at a net VF EAC grade and XF details from a TPG company, so I think you are pretty close in your own assessment.

To get better on these old coppers try getting your hands on a copy of the EAC Grading guide book.

https://www.eacs.org/GradingGuide/G...ngGuide.html

There is so much to factor in with old copper and how it is graded, the most difficult part (IMO) beyond factoring in problems is to know each variety strike characteristics, not unlike date/mm combos in other series. Then Colonials, a whole other conundrum, but the EAC book goes into all of the series including colonial coinage (to a lesser degree than the Federal issues), they also describe color, and how that can factor in as well. A great book to have in any coin library.

It is said by many old time dealers and collectors that, as you progress and your knowledge increases in the collecting and study of US coins you will be drawn towards the early coppers and eventually into the colonial pieces too. I find that to be very true, unfortunately as time has passed these early coins have gotten so expensive, I went across the ocean to British provincial token/half pennies and farthings. Also created around the same time frame as our early copper pieces (1780-1811) but still very affordable and available in high quality condition. Also a plus I don't have to learn a new language!

But my love for the early copper cents and Half Cents as well as the colonial pieces and other foreign coinage that once circulated here hasn't waned, I just collect the books and catalogs when I can't afford the actual coins.