Expert: Ronald Fern - 2/26/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello Ron,

I recently bought this 1834 large cent off a friend. I believe it to have the "Large 8 and Stars," which according to the (2008) Red Book it would be worth $160 in Good condition. The obverse of the coin doesnt look as pretty as the reverse though, so I'm not sure if it would be G or AG quality, but thats not the point.

I attached a picture of the reverse of the coin. If looking at the obverse, the coin is placed nice and straight like it should be, but you can see from the reverse that there is a slight rotation. Does this add much value to the coin?
Thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Kyle:

Thanks again for choosing me to answer another your questions.

Neither of your photos were attached. Slight die rotation is rather normal, and would not add significant value to your coin. In fact, for some collectors it could decrease value, as they are looking for a "normal" coin. For it to be considered significant, the die rotation would have to be likely in the 25% to 30% range.

To grade your large cent see: http://coinauctionshelp.com/braided_hair_matron_head_grading.html

You may also want to check out these links on error coin values:
http://www.coinsite.com/html/USErrorPrices.asp
http://www.minterrornews.com/priceguide.html

Check Ebay listings under US coins in the error category to see if they are listed and what they are going for.

Red Book values are only a retail estimate. Dealers would likely pay only about 50 to 60 percent of that price. The book is also only printed yearly, and may not accurately reflect current market values.

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I can't believe I forgot to attach the picture. Sorry about that. Thanks for the answer you gave, but I decided to send the picture so you can get a visual of the rotation.

Answer
Hi Again Kyle:

Thanks for the photo. Please remember to rate both my original response and the follow-up question.

The die rotation is significant enough to bring an added premium to your coin. I'm not sure how much, but I'd say in the $10 to $20 to an interested collector. Quality Control was not a prime issue in the early 1800's at the US Mint, and I'm guessing the dies could come loose and rotate during the striking. I'm sure not a lot of time was spent rotating each coin to determine if the designs were in proper alignment to each other by the "Inspectors".

Continued Good Luck in your collecting.