NGC graded 1855 large cent

[Merc]

I agree with the grade of this NGC graded large cent (MS65 RB). The problem is, how much do you pay for a nearly red RB large cent? Full reds are rather scarce and pricey. On other RB graded ones, they are 5 to 10 % red with some red around the date and stars. This one is 75% red on the obverse and 85% on the reverse. Then it apperas even more red when held under a strong lamp like you find at a coin show.

[michael]

retail for me is 900

 

now this is from a photo of the coin and only the obverse

 

 

my sight seen price might be higher or lower

 

 

michael

[Tradedollarnut]

A bit more, I think. Too many people know how to upgrade the 'just missed' ones...

[TomB]

To me the amount of red does not matter nearly so much as the overall eye appeal. Is the luster muted over the cheek, is there a flat spot above the ear, is there a rim disturbance, are there flyspecks in the fields? These things matter much more to me and contribute significantly to the total eye appeal more so than having large patches of red.

[michael]

add tomb to what i said and trade said and this sums this coin up well

 

really well what tomb and trade said

 

 

good thread you posted here merc great photo too

 

michael

[CarolinaCollector]

I am only a part-time ametuer, but I would pay a more than $900 for this coin if the reverse is as nice as the obverse (value is in the eye of the beholder).

 

You are right that full red (and even near-red) large cents are tough and most seem to be dated 1853 or 1855 (a hoard, perhaps?).

 

I have a PCGS 64 RB 1855 that I bought in 1988 that is 60% red on the reverse and an even red-brown surface (50/50) on the obverse. I think I paid $800 at the time because the market was strong (I should have sold in 1989 at the top for a nice profit!). I would probably only get what I have into the coin today if it were to upgrade to 65 .

 

That being said, I have found that if you do your research (as you have), buy nice quality coins like this a little bit at a time, and can hold for the long run (10 years or more!), you will do OK. You may not make a good return on every single coin, but overall your collection should do well. Other coins I bought in 1988 include an 1895-S VAM 3 Morgan Dollar in AU-58 for $475, a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent in VF-30 for $250 and a 1953 Proof Set (in original box) for $80. These have done much better from a price appreciation standpoint.

[Hoot]

What an amazing large cent. It always astounds me to see hundred+ year old copper that has been preserved in red condition. Terrific coin - thanks for posting!

 

Hoot

[michael]

hi there carolina

 

yes you are right there was a hoard of a keg half keg of 1855 upright 5 large cents discovered in a bank vault during the bank holiday of 1933 and these where mostly red spotty unc. so these coins can be found in red if you really want one it will take some looking to find a really nice looking gem 65 red one but you can find them with a few months search or less

 

 

michael

[EZ_E]

CarolinaCollector

Learning the Ropes

 

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I was out of the hobby for the late eighty's coin boom so it is interesting to hear of such experiences.

 

I encourage you to post here more often.

[Merc]

Thanks for answering my question everyone. I didn't know how to attach 2 pictures at the same time. Then I was away from computers for the weekend. Here is the reverse image. I noticed the picture can look more red or more brown depending on the computer.

 

Still, I am going to ask about price. I think the greysheet has $750 for a RB MS65 and $650 for a brown 65 common date large cent. Then I saw a full red flashy one for $3000. If a typical RB large cent is 5-10 % red, how much extra should one pay for one that is 75+% red? Lets say there is a sharp strike, no flat spot over the ear, full luster over Liberty's cheek, no carbon spots.

[Wihlborg]

Merc,

 

Here are your pictures together so it’s easier for everyone to see.

I like the coin and think it looks noticeably nicer than a typical RB. With that said however, I think there really is no exact answer to your question of how much of a premium one will pay for the coin. It would all depend upon how much someone likes and/or wants it.

 

John