1797 Large Cent

[Matt_dac]

I picked this up at a recent show. This coin is not valuable of course but I'm new to old copper and curious if there is anything obvious, recognizing the limitations of non-professional pictures, that would result in a "details" grade if sent for grading.

 

Thanks

 

--Matt

 

[Kapimono]

For the most part, I see pitting...most likely corrosion. The rim ding at 12:00 on the obverse too. Older scratches on the reverse.

 

Still like the coin though

[BillJones]

EAC (Early American Coppers) collectors would like this coin a lot better than the grading services. All of the design is visible, and the environmental damage is not excessive. Whether or not it will grade is dicey. On a lucky day you could get a Good out of it, why bother? This coin should enjoyed raw.

[PerryHall]

Looks like a metal detector find. With the porosity it would probably be net graded. A coin like this is not worth the expense of getting it slabbed. Early copper collectors usually prefer to have their coins raw so they can be admired unencumbered with plastic.

[Tyler N.]

I sent the large cent below because it is an 1823/2. It has some residue on the obverse at about 1 o'clock, but is also pitted like yours. This one received a VF Details grade, which is appropriate IMO. The pitting isn't as severe on mine so I think you will definitely get a details grade. Like BillJones stated, enjoy it raw.

 

[SilverGigolo]

A whole lot of large cent collectors dislike the plastic slabs. They take pleasure in cracking them out to free the coin again. Even take pictures of the event!

 

[kennymack13]

I just like it for what it is.

[Matt_dac]

I decided to submit anyway to see what I got. The more I looked around I found many coins that looked worse than mine in straight grade slabs.

 

Bill called it, straight grade Good 4 BN. It does not have any value, but I'm pleased I was able to pick up a raw coin that had sufficient condition to grade. I'm new to late 1700's copper. Again, perhaps limitations of iPhone pics.