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 Replies: 16 / Views: 5,858 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1374 Posts |
Edited by Drsandman2
12/27/2010 05:32 am
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Pillar of the Community
3660 Posts |
Hi and welcome here.....Yes, that is a "51/81", however, I am not so sure that there is actually an 8 under that 5.... It might be an inverted 5 ? ....not sure....also, the date punches came in smaller sizes and different shapes, so what is actually under the 1 may be a small inverted 1 rather than an L.... I'll bet there are some folks here who might know what the deal is with that.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2757 Posts |
i can check my books after the storm passes and I can go home!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2661 Posts |
Looks like an "I" under that 1 to me.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
At that time they were using four digit logotype punches for the dates so it can't be an inverted 5 under the 5. It pretty much has to be an 8. I haven't tried and overlay but from the traces I see under the 5 I think it was probably a full sized date logotype. I think the inverted 1 can be a bit misleading because I think the line behind the 1 is coming from the bottom EDGE of the serif of the 1 which makes it look smaller than it really is. It is too bad the surfaces are slightly porous because the underdate is unusually strong on this coin.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2335 Posts |
I sold my example last year & my memory ain't what it used to be but it certainly looks like the one I owned.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1374 Posts |
I believe it is an 18 under there! Look at the second photo, you can actually see the bottom of the 8 under northwest portion of the 5. It pairs up with the top of the 8, which is under the southern portion of the 5. (I am assuming the 8 is upside down in addition to the 1)
Now look at the first picture, the close up. You can again make out very faintly the bottom of the 8.
But I have been looking at coins all week so maybe my eyes are lying. Seems that this coin should most obviously be listed as 1851/18 or something to that affect. Are there any numbers for this variety?
This coin has been in my family for at least 80 years and I'm the first to notice the variety.
EDIT: Looking at those first two photos again, and then going back to the coin itself, You can actually see the inside loop of the 8 on the bottom of the 5. You can see it just east where the foot of the 5 meets itself. The second picture may actually show it the best.
Edited by Drsandman2
12/27/2010 10:54 am
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Those are some tremendous shots. I have to ask: what sort of setup are you using to shoot them?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1374 Posts |
SuperDave!
I'll tell you but you probably wont believe me! I'm using just a 10mp digital camera on the macro setting. I got the great shots by grabbing my trifold loupe and shooting through both the 5x and 10x opticals. I held the loupe directly against the camera, as though the loupe was part of the camera lens. Then, some good lighting and 4 steady hands!
I'm an outdoorsman and use this method as a cheap way to snap some decent shots through my spotting scope when hunting or birding. It is like putting a $400 telescopic lens on your point-and-shoot!
Edited by Drsandman2
12/27/2010 11:25 am
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Pillar of the Community
3660 Posts |
Quote:
I think the inverted 1 can be a bit misleading because I think the line behind the 1 is coming from the bottom EDGE of the serif of the 1 which makes it look smaller than it really is. I only saw one photo last night when I originally posted (my excuse).... I think that Conder is exactly right about the inverted 1.... I measured the distance from the bottom of the serif to the bottom of the base.... I believe that Conder nailed that one. I think that you are at least partially correct about the 8 under the 5 Drsandman.... (except that it does not look inverted to me).... Yeah, great photos by the way.... If anyone can tell you what particular variety number is associated with this coin, that too would be Conder, however, it might be necessary (or at least prudent) to add a shot of the entire reverse (just to make sure). |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1374 Posts |
Not a bad idea about the reverse. I seem to remember finding something there as well, but I couldn't after searching again. I'll also try to capture what I think is some die rotation. Give me a couple hours.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8904 Posts |
It sure looks like a 51 over 81 (inverted 18). Nice!  Spectacular photography too!! and to the Forum! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2757 Posts |
Yes, it is the 1851 over inverted 18, N-3, rarity 1. To be sure, you should have a small die crack connected the two parts of the base of the N in ONE. Also, you can rest assured that you do not have the counterfeit ones of this variety.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1374 Posts |
What 'chu talkin' bout, Willis? Thanks everyone for all your help! Economically speaking, is it worth it to have this coin graded and put in a case? I have never had any of my coins professionally graded, and I know it can be expensive. If anyone can help me out with this, let me know! I have a few other coins to post, some on the Modern Variety forum. They are incoming as we speak! [URL="http://img35.imageshack.us/i/1851penny5.gif/]  [/URL] [URL="http://img222.imageshack.us/i/1851penny6.gif/]  [/URL] |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2757 Posts |
The die crack on the N in ONE confirms you have the real deal. As a rule of thumb, I don't slab anything worth less than $100 OR something I believe will not get a problem free slab. Remember, it'll cost you about $25 when it's all said and done. Here is one similar to yours ... http://cgi.ebay.com/1851-81-Large-C...em4aa705b589I don't believe it is worth it for you to have it slabbed, but that's just my Two Cents. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1374 Posts |
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Replies: 16 / Views: 5,858 |
Posted 12/27/2010 07:59 am
