Large Cents - Should I Make An Offer?

None of these seems like a screaming bargain to me, especially since I wouldn't consider any of them "problem free". On the 1795, the obv looks good, almost vg, but highly worn rev, ag at best. 1796 has some pitting and a very funny color, 97 looks somewhat corroded, even the 1802 looks a bit on the porous side. Although I grant these aren't coins you come across every day, for the prices, I think you should be able to do better.

If the 1795 is a lettered edge BUY IT. If it is a plain edge I would consider looking for a little better one. (This is a S-76. I just bought a worse S-76 lettered edge which is a tough R-5 for $150)

The 1796 is a S-97 one of the most common of the 96 draped busts, if any of them can really be called common. It has a lot of detail but it looks like it has a lot of problems too. Is it fair? I don't know.

Ask if the 97 has a plain or a gripped edge. If it is a plain edge BUY IT BUY IT! If it is the gripped edge, eh toss up. Probably a little high. This is an S-121 and if it is the plain edge it is a strong contender for being the finest known.

The 1802 is an S-239 and appears to be in the rare early die state before the obverse developed a heavy crack from the rim through the are before the face to the rim around 3:00. Detail is high but the whole coin suffers from moderate corrosion. Personally I think the asking price is a little high but not unreasonable and probably worth it considering the die state.

I have to find pics, but looks extremely close to the 1795 cent I sold on ebay last fall. It's a really nice coin for 216 years old.

Thanks for all of your comments and suggestions! I think I'll make an offer on the 1795 first. I also like the 1796 so maybe Delaner can help me a bit. I really appreciate your generous offer!

Like I said find out about the edge on the 97, if it is plain it is much more important than the 95. If the 97 is plain and you don't want it I'LL BUY IT!

Well cipster, here's the data for the S-97 - if Conder says it's an S-97 I won't presume to doubt him!

This is definitely what we call a scudzy coin. Determining the net grade while calling it scudzy, that's the tough call!

Again, for scudzy:
AG3: 60
G5: 120
VG8: 250
F12: 450
VF20: 650

And then a giant hole up to VF25 with a giant? * of 4600. Perhaps it's the finest scudzy known? I don't know.

This certainly looks like XF detail to me, and given the data, I don't think the price is out of the range of fairness.

I'll mention that Jack goes to great lengths to explain that a VF coin NEEDS TO BE VF, no matter what - in other words, if you're calling it VF, it should be a very nice coin. So you want to call this one F+ details, scudzy? Yup, the ask is about right if a little high. I have to admit, I'm very tempted myself. Before I go buying any more of these, I want to do a bit more learning (and learning to interpret the data).


PS: Conder, the 1797 is listed as a gripped edge. =) Unfortunately there's no way to know about the 1795 without asking.

Thanks for the continuing help and suggestions from everyone and Delaner's details regarding the 1796.

Here's an update -

1795 is plain edge and my offer was not accepted - he made a very modest counter offer.

1796 - based on your attribute and grading information I will send an offer today maybe combining it with a 1795 offer.

1797 is a gripped edge and I'm interested but would need to see considerable movement on the price.

1802 - I'll pass on that one.

Thanks for saying that none of these are 'too hot to pass up'. On the other hand we all know that they aren't available every day. I've been very patient in the past with buying certain key coins and will probably do the same here.