Question about Coins from the UK

[2centsal]

:patriot:

Now for my question. Why is it that Coins from the UK aren't ever graded ? Is it the cost ( $45) ?
I was fortunate to get this beautiful Error Coin from there and would like to get it graded. What would you grade it ? I always get confused with Old Coins because it always seems that one side is always better than the other. It's a 1694 William & Mary-Unbarred Half Pence. The error is that the maker used an upside down V instead of an A in the word MARIA . The mistake was eventually corrected but It's Scarce and starts around $200 in Good Condition. I feel mine is in better Condition than the other's that I've seen online. I only paid $94 and the owner paid $200. He was a little upset to say the least because he lost money on it so keep this in mind when I make the next statement.
I asked him why U.K Collectors don't have their coins graded and he said that most of the English feel our Grading Services are too lenient . That's a slap in the face !!
Does anyone know if there is some truth to this or is there any other reason ? It's not just the U.K either. It seems like a lot of World Coins on Ebay anyway are sold " Raw ".

[dipper13]

Remember, Europe is part of the "old world." Hand struck coins will not resemble modern coins. I notice the slight green residue on one side of your coin. That points to PVC contamination. The coin might have to be conserved before it is graded. I have seen many pricey old European coins in grading service slabs. I think the opposite of what the gentleman told you may be true. They might fear close scrutiny of their coins, not over grading. I always marvel at seeing coins that are over three or four hundred years old. Dan

[Daniel]

PCGS and NGC are just really expanding in this market and seem to be a bit liberal on their grading of world coins over their. I was talking to another member about this and he states that they're being too liberal and over-grading coins, in his educated opinion and research. It's like a contest on which company can get the best foot-hold in each country, so market grade, that makes coins worth more and hypes the market interest for coins in your holder.

I do believe the coin has some corrosion and porosity, but hopefully not enough to hurt grading.

[2centsal]

Thanks for all the info.

So, do you think I got a good deal at $94 ? Like I said, I see worse on Ebay for $200 and some more for the Error. Some call it a Variety, so I'm not sure which it is .

[Daniel]

It would be a variety since the die design was changed purposely, it might have been a mistake at first, but it's still a minting variety. I think the $94 was a fine, just questioning the condition of the surface. The coin has weak features on the reverse but that's common for hand pressed dies.

[dipper13]

I have seen worse for much more money. I think it was a bargain for what you got.

[2centsal]

Actually the Coin is more defined " In hand " . It's just my lousy Camera, trust me.

It's like one of those illusion things. Like people say you look 10lbs heavier on TV. Yea, there's some pitting and more worn on the Obverse but my editing just enhanced the flaws, if that makes any sense. Daniel I'm sure you understand because I read you articles of how taking a picture a certain way can make a Coin look better than it is, well this is the opposite.
If you go to that Metal Detecting site Dan, I have 2 photos of the Coin in " My Album" and their more true to what the coin looks like. As far as " Eye Appeal" anyway. :l

[Daniel]

I tried to enhance it and edit the coin, not much luck, but I can see it a little better.

[2centsal]

Thanks, that's better than my Pics. Yea, It's one of the better one's I've seen also. I mean after 329 years, any Copper like this is a joy to own. I've seen Large Cents in worse condition. For $94, it's a great deal ! The UK Value guide starts around $150 - $200 and I also have seen worse for more money. There's no listing for how many of these were made " Unbarred" and I still don't know the story why they used upside down V's for A's .

It's like my 1864 2 Cent "small motto" - They don't know how many were made but all I know is they start at $175 in G4 and even though mines " Dug" (one of my most expensive coin digs ), the word " WE" is still visible. Most of them out there the "WE" is worn since it's the highest point on the ribbon. happydance:

[Daniel]

The WE is also the weakest struck area on this series, so it having the WE is a big bonus for a dug coin. I still think this coin should be net graded.