I ideas on how much a cull dug Liberty Cap Cent is worth?

coinman123 · Mar 23, 2015

Hey guys, I'm working on a type set of cents and am wondering how much I would pay for a Liberty Cap cent in dug/corroded condition. I would prefer to buy a dug copper or corroded copper other than one solely worn because I could probably get the dug one cheaper and it may have more actual details than the worn smooth one (and being a metal detectorist I have began to appreciate dug coins more).

metal-detector-find-1794-liberty-cap-half-penny-usa.webp

(NOT MY COIN/PHOTO)
What do you think, this is the kind of coin I would like to buy, how much should I pay and where would be a good place to buy one?

coachbedford · Mar 23, 2015

Well you should get a pretty good discount for a dug Liberty Cap because they would typically be pitted and have other element-tial damage. Also depends on whether you want one with a visible date or not. But it is true that dug "corroded" large cents often have great detail if you take the time to look closely or do very careful cleaning-- as in the coin could have been in Very Fine or better condition when dropped but then the ground elements got to it. That said...for a basic dug liberty cap, unless there is some nice face and hairline detail visible, I think that $40 to $50 is fair.

vpnavy · Mar 23, 2015

EBay is always a great source for value - take a look at: Liberty Cap Cent Results

coinman123 · Mar 24, 2015

Thanks, I'm keeping my eye out for a dug one on Ebay, right now at $16. Ends tommarow

Comes in a NGC flip labled "Not suitable for certification, Genuine "

coinguy*matthew · Mar 24, 2015

Thanks, I'm keeping my eye out for a dug one on Ebay, right now at $16. Ends tommarow

Comes in a NGC flip labled "Not suitable for certification, Genuine "

Probably your best bet at least you will have some security knowing it was deemed genuine by ngc and not buying a copy made to look dug. I would also think about doing a little research and possibly cherry pick a scarce variety that may have been over looked because the condition is less then desirable. I have had good profits on problem coins just because they may be less desirable doesn't mean there is no market for them. Good luck and if i happen to come across a dug scarce variety ill p.m. you and possibly pass it on.

Liberty Cap Cents (1793-1796)
The copper cents of 1793-1857 were the first United States coins to attract the attention of collectors in this country. Hobbyists both casual and serious were assembling date sets by the mid-19th Century, and this activity grew exponentially after the series’ demise in 1857. By that time numismatists had become aware of the many varieties that resulted from the use of hand tools in completing each die, and large cents were also the first United States coins to be sought extensively by varieties. A number of books and monographs were published over the years describing and classifying these varieties, though all have since been superseded by the references named below.

While the number of persons collecting large cents by date has likely declined in favor of type collecting, the intensity and competition among variety specialists has grown steadily. The traditional favorites remain the early cents of 1793-1814, but the middle dates of 1816-39 now command much greater attention than in previous generations. Due to greater standardization in the die sinking process after 1839, the late dates through 1857 are far more difficult to attribute by varieties, and this has limited their popularity to the most dedicated and patient of collectors. Still, the rare varieties are prized, particularly in the higher grades. US Liberty Cap Cents 1793-1796 Coin Varieties

jerseyben · Mar 25, 2015

coinguy*matthew said:
Probably your best bet at least you will have some security knowing it was deemed genuine by ngc and not buying a copy made to look dug. I would also think about doing a little research and possibly cherry pick a scarce variety that may have been over looked because the condition is less then desirable. I have had good profits on problem coins just because they may be less desirable doesn't mean there is no market for them. Good luck and if i happen to come across a dug scarce variety ill p.m. you and possibly pass it on.

I highly doubt anyone would go to the trouble to fake such a thing and I doubt anyone would be fooled by one either.

Also, cherry picking a scarce variety is not as easy as you are making it sound. I highly doubt someone with little to no experience could suddenly pick up the skill without years of experience.

coinman123 · Mar 25, 2015

USA 1794 U s Liberty Cap Large Cent Corrosion Porous Scarce Type Coin | eBay

Here it is...

Not fake looking

jerseyben · Mar 25, 2015

coinman123 said:
USA 1794 U s Liberty Cap Large Cent Corrosion Porous Scarce Type Coin | eBay

Here it is...

Not fake looking

I am not understanding this mentality of someone going out of their way to make a fake coin look like it was dug. Just seems extremely far fetched.

What is more disturbing... The fact that someone thought it would be a worthwhile endeavor to send that coin in to be slabbed in the first place.

coinguy*matthew · Mar 25, 2015

I highly doubt anyone would go to the trouble to fake such a thing and I doubt anyone would be fooled by one either.

Also, cherry picking a scarce variety is not as easy as you are making it sound. I highly doubt someone with little to no experience could suddenly pick up the skill without years of experience.

1. People fake bullion rounds that sell for less then the corroded Liberty Cap Large cent that the op posted although unlikely the possibility exists.

2. You don't know unless you try, also it was just a suggestion to challenge one's self and I have done it myself along with seeing others do it. It may take some time to develop the skill but if you enjoy the hobby its worth while. Why would try to steer someone away from trying to learn?