This may be the rarest coin featured on this site!

[TypeCoin971793]

I'm still in disbelief that I found this coin. Yesterday, I bought a lot of 3 large cents, dated 1797, 1798, and 1800, at an auction at my coin club for $15. The 1797 was in FA-02 condition, the 1798 was AG-03, and the 1800 was AG details with a hole. I sold my dad the 1798 for $5 (which we later determined to be an S-184 valued at about $50 or so). I got an offer of $15 for the 1800 after the auction, but I declined thinking it had a rare overdate (not the case, but it was the S-197 variety that had a die chip in the first 0, giving the illusion of an overdate.). Then, this morning, I decided to research the 1797's variety. The first diagnostic was the reverse of 1796, so I went from there. Then I looked at the date, which had the numbers close together and evenly spaced. The last diagnostic was the edge, which was plain and had no gripping (which is somewhat like reeding). All told, I figured out that this was the S-121a variety. When I tried to research price, there was nothing to compare it to, save one example here: http://larrybriggsrarecoins.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=1182 . It is comparable to my coin's condition. This variety has a rarity rating of R7-, meaning fewer than 20 are known to exist! With the highest grade being a VG-10. I still need it to be checked out, but I think this may be a $2000 coin! Needless to say, I'm stoked!!!!!!!!

I'm trying to prove that it is not the 121a, but I'm not having any success in doing so. As of right now, I am 95% sure this is the real deal. I just hope this doesn't turn into a disappointment...

Here's a reference: http://www.ngccoin.com/vp-variety.aspx?coinid=307

UPDATE!!! Here's the pictures of my coin. My computer needs a new hard drive.

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If you look closely to the right side of the obverse, you might be able to see a more worn/ raised area. This was a huge die break that is a diagnostic for the die pair. It is rather obvious on the coin in hand, but you could compare it to the coin in the NGC link above.

Here is a reverse of 1796 (1795) (the rare one):

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Here is a reverse of 1797:

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Here is an obverse of the 121a:

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Here is an obverse of the 120a:

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And here is an example of a "gripped" edge, which is the more common variety:

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The edge of my coin is completely smooth, except for rim bumps, which is the rare variety. Until next time

 

[CASPER-2]

I thought this was one of the rarest

 

[Iron Patch]

View attachment 947702 I thought this was one of the rarest

Sure would be, but would need more than just a picture. There's also a "few" MA 1776 Pine Tree coppers floating around too which is only one known. Nothing to back up their authenticity either, but for them you don't really need it because they are pretty bad. Prove that NE is legit and I'll call you king of the castle! Hear that Buckleboy!

 

[xrunndonex]

Maybe your coin is not one of the rarest posted but you were not to know that, and it's not a pi$$ing contest.

lmao that's hilarious , reminds me of my schoolyard day's could extinguish a burning matchbook @ 2.2 meters with the wind at my back .

I could spit across a street

 

[TypeCoin971793]

Very unlikely any expert will commit to an ID over the internet unless they are sure beyond a doubt, and from reading the replies it doesn't seem like that is possible.

I'm beginning to feel the same way. They could possibly give their opinions on the coin's legitimacy, but I'm pretty sure they can't, and won't, authenticate it over the internet. The best they'll probably do is give me guidance as to what to do with it or who to show it to to determine its authenticity.

 

[Iron Patch]

I'm beginning to feel the same way. They could possibly give their opinions on the coin's legitimacy, but I'm pretty sure they can't, and won't, authenticate it over the internet. The best they'll probably do is give me guidance as to what to do with it or who to show it to to determine its authenticity.

The bad part is the reason it's inconclusive is because of the condition, so even in person it could be the same result. So how many dies are close to the side in question?

 

[TypeCoin971793]

The bad part is the reason it's inconclusive is because of the condition, so even in person it could be the same result. So how many dies are close to the side in question?

The die pair is undeniably (even by experts) the S-121 (B-3) variety. The determination between the a and b varieties is harder because the differentiation between the varieties is on the edge. That needs to be inspected and examined by the experts in person, not from pictures.

 

[veronasteve]

Sorry but less than 20 is not that rare on this site. I only recently had a Roman coin recorded as the 2nd known & I have had a couple of other coins recorded as the only known example, plus many more at less than 10.

As a British detectorist,with a reasonable range of finds inc Bronze age grave goods..i find this sort of reply pointless, Crusader why don`t you hang out more on UK detecting sites where your less of a big fish and the ponds a bit deeper,,,,,,,,point made.

 

[TypeCoin971793]

I finally got the results back. It is the ultra-rare S-121a! It is a rarity 6, meaning 20-30 are known to exist! The experts I consulted said it is worth between $750 and $1500. Not bad for a five-dollar investment.

 

[Silver Searcher]

I finally got the results back. It is the ultra-rare S-121a! It is a rarity 6, meaning 20-30 are known to exist! The experts I consulted said it is worth between $750 and $1500. Not bad for a five-dollar investment.

Well that's a great result But I bet Crusader goes out this week and finds a rarer one

SS

 

[TypeCoin971793]

Update!!! The coin sold for $800 at auction.

 

[BigWaveDave]

Nice....worth the wait!

 

[Garrett424]

Really nice.

 

[Scrappy]

Left, right, left, right....

Srgt. Buzzkill is marching

Nice find with that coin, it's super impressive.

-Happy Hunting!

 

[DMN]

yes, Silver Searcher is correct. rarity has many forms on this forum. for example, it's rare that I ever find anything good

That was pretty darned humorous. If it didn't hit so close to home that is.

No matter what, TypeCoin, rare or not, you have those coins and if you're happy with them then that's all that really matters. Keep on looking!

 

[Ronson]

I finally got the results back. It is the ultra-rare S-121a! It is a rarity 6, meaning 20-30 are known to exist! The experts I consulted said it is worth between $750 and $1500. Not bad for a five-dollar investment.

That's fantastic! What a score, congrats!

And not that anyone asked, but my thinking is this: if 20-30 known to exist of anything ain't "rare", then mayhap it's worth a think that too much success has left some folks a bit jaded? The other day, someone was initially disappointed to find "only" a silver Rosie. I thought that was kinda funny. Talk about this coin not being "as rare" or "rare enough" or what have you downright verges on hilarity, though I suspect it's partly semantics and partly just a pissing contest, as someone else already noted.

Also, for what it's worth: dealing in "facts" does not give anyone license to act like a tailhole. I don't care what you've found.

I've seen some really generous folks around here, in my short time on the boards.

I hope those are the faces of metal detecting that the straights (i.e., the civilians, the non-detectors, the "normals") see out in public.

My 2 pesos.

RP

 

[Silver Searcher]

Update!!! The coin sold for $800 at auction.

Great result Enjoy the cash.

SS