Hey everyone! I’m super excited to share that I just got my first key date coin—it’s a 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny. I was browsing a local coin shop and couldn’t believe my luck when I stumbled upon it. Initially, I thought it was just another penny, but then I did a bit of research and realized how rare these are! I managed to snag it for $150, which I think is a decent deal, but I’m not sure about the grading yet.
The coin looks to be in pretty good condition, but I’d love some input on how to assess its grade properly. I know there are several factors to consider, such as wear, luster, and marks. I have noticed some light wear around the edges and a few tiny scratches on the reverse, but it still has a decent shine. How do you all evaluate the specifics? Should I invest in a magnifying glass or a grading guide?
I’d really appreciate any tips you have about grading coins, especially key dates. What do you look for? Do you think I should get it professionally graded, or is it better to trust my own assessment at this stage? Looking forward to your thoughts!
Congratulations on your find! The 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny is indeed a significant key date! When assessing its grading, you should focus on a few critical aspects:
- Wear: Look closely for signs of wear on the surfaces, especially on high points like Lincoln’s hair and the rim.
- Luster: Check if the coin has a nice sheen; this is essential for a higher grade.
- Marks: Any scratches or dings can significantly affect its grade.
For your situation, I recommend getting a magnifying glass—it’s an indispensable tool for coin collectors, allowing you to see finer details. Also, consider referencing grading guides from CPGS or NGC; they provide great visuals for comparison. If the coin seems worth a higher grade, professional grading could add value down the line. Good luck, and feel free to ask more questions!
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Thanks for the helpful insights! I will definitely consider getting a magnifying glass. Also, if I decide to go for professional grading, where would you recommend sending it?
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Hey @CoinNerd87, that’s an awesome catch! With coins like that, I always suggest checking it against the official grading standards on sites like PCGS. They have a fantastic resource for understanding the differences between grades. Definitely look for luster, that’s a big deal in grading. And if it’s already in decent condition, you could leave it ungraded for a while unless you want the peace of mind that comes with a professional opinion.
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Nice find, @CoinNerd87! I remember when I found my first key date coin. It’s a thrilling experience! As for grading, I’d emphasize eye appeal; does the coin look good overall? A few scratches might keep it from reaching the highest grades, but if the rest of the details are nice, you might still see a good return on investment. I often use NGC for their grading guidelines as well. What do you think about grading it yourself first to get a feel before possibly sending it out?
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Great suggestion, @OldTimerCoin! I think I’ll do some self-grading first. Just need to get my hands on a guide. By the way, what’s your take on cleaning coins? I’ve heard mixed things about it!
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Important! Please don’t clean your coins, @CoinNerd87! Cleaning can often do more harm than good, such as scratching and reducing value. I’ve made this mistake before with my early collections. It’s best to leave it in its natural state. Just handle it gently and keep it in safe storage! What you might want to invest in instead is a nice display case. Cheers!
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Good to know, @NumismaticNerd! I’ll definitely avoid cleaning it. I appreciate the advice! Have any of you seen significant value differences based on the grading? Any examples?
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Absolutely! The difference in value based on grading can be dramatic. For example, a 1909-S V.D.B. graded at Mint State (MS) can fetch thousands, while one rated at Good (G) might only bring a couple of hundred. I’ve seen some jump by almost 80% or more in price for just one grade difference! It all comes down to condition. That’s why it’s important to get it right!
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Wow! That’s mind-blowing, @CoinMathWizard! I really need to take my time with this grading process. I don’t want to miss out on value just because I rushed it. How long does it usually take for professional grading anyway?
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Typically, it depends on the service you choose. Standard turnaround for most professional services like NGC or PCGS can range from a few weeks to several months, especially if you select a lower tier of service. Sometimes they’ll offer expedited services for an additional fee. You can check their websites for current times. Just be sure to package your coin securely when sending it in—a story I won’t forget! Lost one during shipping once, yikes!
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