1880 VAM 39a - Value and Crossover Advice Please

[Dirtdoctor]

I think this coin needs to be sent in for re-grading by an established company. I have not sent coins in for grading. I enjoy having them in flips in an album so I can easily access them and compare/examine. Just me I guess.

I think this coin could grade near the top in its group. It looks a bit better in hand than these iPhone pics show - it is bright with consistent soft luster, no toning; no hairlines or signs of wear or cleaning. No significant distracting blemishes. I can break out the real camera and lights if necessary.

PCGS has the Crossover service, and I assume I can add attribution to it. From NNC this is graded MS65, for what that's worth. I do think it should grade higher MS. If it does not grade at 63 or better, I'd probably prefer it just be returned. I'm afraid if I say 62 minimum, I'm setting a low bar and encouraging a lower grade. Also, the fee for crossover is based on value after grading, if I understand the process right. There are no PCGS values for 1880 V39a in MS condition. Only one sale of a PCGS mint state graded coin since 2015, and it was MS64 for $1150 in 2019, so that may be dated. Sales are often some percentage of PCGS listed value, so those may be low as well.

Any recommendations on assigning minimum grade, and estimating value for forecasting/paying fee from your experience?

[VamHelsing]

Well, based on the pics I'd call it MS62.

[impairedsquirrel]

Yeah, I'm in the 62 boat as well, but HOLY MONKEY, YOU SUCK!!

[JohnGoldsmith]

I was thinking MS62 when I placed my bid on the coin.

[Dirtdoctor]

I appreciate the You Suck. Probably my first. Anyway, I broke out the digital camera to get better shots. The iPhone exaggerates and does not give proper example, in my opinion. Still not as sharp as I'd like but I'm still trying to figure that out.
Not sure if these change any minds but I'm still thinking/hoping MS63. The posting pictures were not crisp so I was taking a shot JohnGoldsmith.

Thanks - still trying to determine how to complete forms to attain fee that will be most correct, and it appears based on value to some degree.

[Stlcoin]

MS62 would be most accurate grade...too many bag marks on Obverse field & cheek plus a soft strike on eagles breast on Reverse, nice even color and luster should be consistent with the grade. Nice pull for a junk slab!

[JASONKFLO]

I am in the MS-62 camp as well. Nice example

[VamHelsing]

If I owned it, I would send it in raw. The NNC slab is not going to add any value, IMO.

[colwillys]

Send it in raw , break it out of the nnc holder .. I say MS 63 go for it .

[Dirtdoctor]

Thanks to all who took a minute to look and send me recommendation. I think I will break it out and send it in raw, that seems right to me since it clearly will not cross into PCGS.

[JASONKFLO]

curious if you had it graded

[Dirtdoctor]

No. I have a couple coins I'd really like to have graded by PCGS, or maybe NGC that would be at top of range. However, we have had USPS issues in the past year and I frankly hate to chance it. They delivered an empty envelope to someone I sold a coin to, about 10 days late. They found the loose coin, which was sent to Atlanta lost mail office. After much effort with Atlanta, they said the coin was found, and they sent it to my buyer instead of me. They sent the wrong coin.

At our regional office, they are still resolving a lost large package (game system) my son sent and have been hassling him. It was insured, and they tracked it to Atlanta lost mail again, and they are still being unhelpful. They lost a packet of tax forms with expedited shipping and tracking premium a couple years ago.

Anyway, I live in flyover land and there are no events near me to hand carry to, except maybe Chicago once a year. With Covid and my existing conditions risk, I'm not likely to do that either. We are hunkered down hard.

It would be interesting to send it in for crossover, then break it out and send it in raw, and see if there are different results. However, I don't want to risk it once, let alone twice.

[morganman]

Coins in offgrade holders like NNC-ACG-PCI-SEGS ETC are pretty much
worthless IMHO. I break all out and submit for a fair grading call

Yours looks 62 with outside chance 63

By the way NNC owner is a real crook who has had several named services,
selling many thousands of U S gold coins on ebay for yrs, while e bay allowed
him to continue. Public got shafted for millions