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 Replies: 16 / Views: 2,031 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
880 Posts |
I don't know a VAM from a "hole in the head" as my grandfather would say. So if anything stands out please let me know. I'm hoping that this is at least MS64, but I need some assistance.   |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
The trouble with a coin having such wonderful color is, the uncolored areas could just as easily be circulation rub as they could be just places free of toning. So, although I could express the opinion that this coin is MS64 all day - I would have that opinion - that opinion is only valid if the coin is actually Mint State. And I can't say with certainty that the coin is Mint State. There's only one 1902-P VAM of added interest, the Top 100 VAM-4, and this isn't one. It isn't a coin of significant value, even to MS64, and very commonly available in Mint State. The color is to die for. I would agonize over a price of $100 for this coin (appropriate for MS64), and probably bite, just for the color. I wouldn't go higher than $100 unless I could inspect it in-hand, and be sure it was Mint State. If it's Mint State, it has a credible shot at MS65, putting its' value in excess of $300. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
880 Posts |
My fears of Morgans... I don't have the other pictures on this computer, but it did appear to have cartwheel luster which lead me to believe they aren't circulation marks.
We could agree that the details are pretty sharp on this coin though?
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
The technical merits of this coin are undoubtedly those of an MS64 coin. Unfortunately, it's not the sharpest of strikes - hair above ear and eagle's breast are not fully-struck - and some of the high points show "bright" rather than toned. I personally feel that truly "Almost Uncirculated" coins are far less common than TPG grading would indicate; they're taking the coward's way out with many AU58's. Even with that in mind and the excellent photographs, I couldn't in good conscience tell you I'm sure this one is Mint State. Nor could I tell you that PCGS wouldn't question the color. What's the asking price? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
880 Posts |
I believe the asking price was around $300, but I planned on offering lower. I realize that would be over paying for a MS64, but whatever. Since I'm up in the air I will probably leave it alone. That seems to always turn out the best for me lol. Unless I'm certain about a coin I'll stay away from it regardless of the price.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
880 Posts |
I should also mention that the lack of bag marks or hairlines at all lead me to belive this has been cleaned and retoned. Those "untoned" area's also make me think it was cleaned at one point in time... I honestly just don't know
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Walk away. Not at $300 unless it's in an MS65 slab. Too many possibilities, too many chances to make a coin look like that in an artificial manner.
I mentioned throwing $100 at it; for that, it would be $100 I assumed I was wasting $50 of.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4989 Posts |
Weakly struck, no obvious rub wear - luster still evident. Color looks plausibly natural. Few bag marks.
I'll say MS-64, nice natural color (or well faked) will appeal to people who like toners. $300 is too high, might bite at $125, I'd want it at $100.
Edited by fenton
06/28/2011 1:18 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
817 Posts |
Great coin. Quite a weak strike.
I don't think there is any wear.
My guess on value is $100 to $140 for grade. Add what ever the toning is worth to you.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4989 Posts |
I should mention too that I have found tremendous value in dealer display cases for weakly struck toners. Dealers tend to assume those coins are AU when, in many cases, a TPG will mark them MS-64 or even MS-65 if mark free. Sometimes they will even receive a "*" designation for eye appeal. It is tougher from photos but for the display case coins I always put them under a light and tilt it to ensure every surface has cartwheel. If that holds true, very unlikely coin has rub wear and very likely it will get strong ratings from a TPG. |
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Valued Member
United States
299 Posts |
Hard to be sure from the photos if this is AU or or just a weak strike MS. The more I look, the more I tend to think MS64+. Don't like the weak details in the hair but love the colour and apparent luster
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Pillar of the Community
United States
880 Posts |
Unfortunately the seller wouldn't budge on his price and I will be passing on this coin.
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Valued Member
United States
92 Posts |
Weak strike. Smooth surfaces and attractive eye appeal, but I question whether it has enough luster to get in the higher grades. I love it as a 63, not so much as a 64.
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Valued Member
United States
178 Posts |
Too bad the buyer wouldnt come down on the price... I like the tone
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
It may be stronger struck than you think....this is a Randy Holder coin right?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4618 Posts |
A VAM can be a hole in the head, so maybe you know more about them than you think. ANA ID: 3203813 - CONECA ID: N-5637 Clean a coin that may be worth collecting? Please DON'T! When in doubt, leave it dirty!! 
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Replies: 16 / Views: 2,031 |
Posted 06/28/2011 05:54 am
