The Neophyte Numismatist

If you have a local coin show, go look at as many coins in your favorite series as you can in holders, but don't buy anything. Then, come home and look at as many coins as you can in NGC and PCGS holders in the grades you like online ( 1921 Morgan Dollars on eBay in MS65). Do some have more chatter/bag marks than others? Are some better struck? Is the coin attractive without unsightly marks/toning? Is it original, dipped, or over-dipped? Does the coin have luster? Is the luster broken anywhere on the coin? Are there other problems ? Has the toning etched the surface to the point of borderline environmental damage? Is the scratch a little too deep/wide for a straight grade in your opinion? Are there hairlines from a pervious cleaning (yes, cleaned coins are in straight graded holders)? Has the coin been recolored/Artificially Toned (AT) Are the surfaces hard/smooth, or is there micro porosity? Are there rim dings? etc. etc. etc. Make a note of the coin... then look at the same coin, in the same grade, in the same way. Is it better/worse/same? Then another, and another. You will find a LOT of variation in the same grade. Try to stay with one type, date and mintmark at a time (i.e. comparing a 1938-D Buffalo Nickel and a 1926-D Buffalo Nickel would be challenging, as the 26-D is almost guaranteed to be more weakly struck. As a newer grader without appreciation for the series, this may be confused with wear).

fun find.

Grading is super nuanced, subjective and highly controversial. CAC was designed for collectors to get an independent, expert opinion on coins that are "solid for the grade" (green), or "would be solid for the next grade up" (gold). Now, CAC has started CACG; an independent TPG with its own holders. I will say that CAC is a bit of a mess right now since all of the new business models have started in VA. However, historically CAC stickers have been a market maker. A gold CAC will almost always sell for more than the next highest grade coin. The crack-out game, and the sticker games are real. I am not saying it's wrong at all, but it add another layer of nuance to an already complicated hobby. CAC stickers matter, because John Albanese is an expert grader and is seen as numismatic royalty. Rick Snow is known for being an expert in Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cents, so his Eagle Eye stickers hold some weight on those types. Stacks/David Hall CMQ stickers remain to be seen as a differentiator in the marketplace, but perhaps collectors will see them as the new "independent" validation source. The rest are actually silly, and I smile when I see a coin with three stickers. In the end.... you either like the coin, or you don't.

agree - heat damage.

cool coin, and worth a bump for sure.

What I disagree with is the distinction that one can only be a "real" numismatist by working the show circuit. Granted, shows are fun and in-person education is always best. However, there is a wealth of information online and to try to negate that fact is a futile pursuit. If one is here, they are (at minimum) a mixed-model hobbyist. Disputing this is also futile. Why work to alienate any area of numismatics? Graded or raw; online or in-person...I don't care one bit how another collector enjoys their coins. I am just glad they do.

Thank you. I was thinking 14 years before he was president, and wrote "born". YOU are 100% correct. (Seriously appreciate the correction.)

I don't need to explain myself. I just wanted to nullify your ad. I have done this. Now, anyone who buys your coin has been warned.

Scammer Alert!

Welcome. Assuming you found the coin, you can never lose money. This coin is worth 5c all day long (but not a penny more).

I feel so crushed reading this. This is one of my worst fears. I am so sorry for the tragedy that you have had, @leeg.

Dan, thanks for sharing your story. I think everyone has a "Jim" (and anyone can become Jim). Addiction is a monster that tricks the mind and takes the body. Once addiction takes hold, it can be very difficult to walk away. Sadly, like Jim... most never do. Addiction is my biggest fear for my children. It runs in my family, and my father and brother both have addiction problems. The thought of them following a path of addiction breaks my heart. As a parent, this scares me to no end. I commend you on staying true to your friend. This is not easy, as addiction leaves a trail of lies and misdeeds that can break trust in the relationship. I am sure these are feelings you had to work through. I am glad you were able to navigate your feelings in a way that allowed you to continue to offer love to your friend. I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing you were a good friend to Jim. I am also hopeful that this post will deter people from taking this destructive pathway through life. Note: if you or a friend are going through challenges with addiction the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. The toll-free number for help is 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Welcome to the forum. I do not have anything to add on your coin, as I believe @Sandon got it 100%. While this coin will not buy you a farm, it's a cool piece of history, and always fun to hold history. Polk was president when this was minted, and the Civil War hadn't happened yet (heck, Lincoln was not born for another 14 years). While collectors sometimes move right to the value of the coin, but I think it's even more fun to think about the time when the coin was minted. What was the average wage at the time? How did they dress? What did bread cost? Who was president? ect., etc. Have fun with it!

@Jesse01 I would not continue to pursue this deal. @Just Bob told you everything you need to know about your coin. You can certainly save it as an example, but it's worth 1c. Someone who is willing to offer you 10K for this coin is either joking or dangerous. Don't make time for either.

@Jesse01 Welcome. Based on your responses, it is clear that you are new this (and there is nothing wrong with being new). My suggestion is to forget about what your coins are worth. If you want to collect from change, have fun with it and expect nothing in return but fun and education. As you deepen your education, you will be able to ask more technical questions for more specific answers. Learn the series you collect, learn to grade and spot a quality coin, and learn the market... some posts about supposed offers you are getting are laughable to those of us that know the three things I just mentioned. I know your urge will be to argue with me will be strong, as this seems to be your MO. However, as you grow in this hobby, you will learn I am telling you the truth. I would ask you to take a breath, and read to understand what I am saying and hopefully you can resist the urge to fight... and cultivate the skill to understand. I wish you luck.