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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,524 |
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Valued Member
United States
322 Posts |
Hi all. This is my first large cent. I picked it up at auction for 25.00 While looking at it closely I noticed a couple raised bars coming out of and below the 8. Is this a variety? Also is there any way to remove some of the grime without damaging the coin? Thanks for looking, Mike click photos to enlarge     |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
I'm not familiar with any varieties of 1853 large cents. It could be a chipped die.
A good acetone soak should help remove some of the grime on this coin. There are lots of other options but I'd start by swishing it around in a cup of acetone then letting it soak in the acetone for a few hours. Rinse with cold, running water after removal and pat dry.
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Valued Member
Canada
464 Posts |
Those are some of the best coin photos that I have ever seen. How did you achieve such a result?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
750 Posts |
I thought acetone and copper were a no-no?
There are 33 different varieties in 1853. I know its not the following:
N 4
N 10
N 14
N 15
N 25
N 27
N 29
N 30
I dont have my attrib book, should get it back in a few days.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5318 Posts |
I see what you mean...that's an interesting find!  I don't collect this series, but I think I see what may be the curvature of a digit within the lower 8 loop and just underneath. The very obvious mark could be a stray digit too...cool coin!  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
The dash below the 8 and the one at the lower left edge of the 8 are diagnostic for N-18 an R-1 variety.
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New Member
United States
48 Posts |
You need to soak that baby in some Blue Ribbon or olive oil. Let it soak and get that dirt off.
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Valued Member
 United States
322 Posts |
Thanks guys.
Gawdowns, thanks for the compliment. I used a canon 40D digital slr camera w/ 100mm macro lens.
Conder, thanks for the attribution. I'm guessing that R-1 is the rarity scale? 1 being the most common? Is there a premium for cents that are R-1?
As far as cleaning the grime, is using acetone or olive oil acceptable? I think the coin is in pretty good shape, but wish the dirt wasn't there. Will soaking this coin only remove it without damage? Or will it look like a cleaned coin. Sorry for all the questions, but all the other coins I have are found from circulation and I would have no qualms experimenting with them.
Thanks for your input, Mike
Edited by mikep
03/28/2009 9:46 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Yes R-1 is the rarity on a 1 to 8 scale with 8 being the rarest and 1 the most common. An R-1 means there are 1500 or more pieces. For large cents you don't get a premium over type, of date money until you reach the R-5 (31 - 75 pieces)level, sometimes R-4 (76 - 200 pieces).
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:
I used a canon 40D digital slr camera w/ 100mm macro lens. Well, that explains the excellent shots. You should drop by the Photography Forum sometime and join me in the Official Canon Fanboi Club.  |
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,524 |
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Posted 03/26/2009 11:33 pm
