1860-O Seated half

XF-40. I was going to say XF-45 but I think the deep scratch above the H in "Half" might keep it from going higher.

I am not sure if the coin is original. It looks like there is some lines running across the coin on the obverse and reverse if you look really closely. It may have been lightly cleaned and retoned.

I really do like the coin though! Nice Purchase.

I don't have enough seated halves to know about varieties, but that mint mark is mighty high. Must have been some good moonshine.

Thanks westcoin, I knew one of you would have my back. Yes, egg-tastic coin!

, Amputating!

Upon louping the coin inhand for no less than three minutes of intense scrutiny, I was unable to see any depression on the coin, I believe they are mere scratches that are traveling in similar paths : )

The thing about the eagle laying an egg is definitely a cool tidbit of information, thanks : )

I'm new to coin collecting, does every single coin have a variety? Since there are 7 varities, does that mean that in this year, that mint used 7 different master dies to strike coins? And what exactly is a die clash? I'm glad I have some knowledgable people on the forum to talk with, I'm really fascinated with the mintmark thing, It is something I didnt notice when I bought the coin.

I uploaded 2 additional pictures to maybe help you guys scrutinize the upper right quad of the rev.

Very nice attractive coin, I'm a novice but personally I'd grade it at XF-45. The color is a little dark compared to original surfaces coins I have seen.

http://blog.davidlawrence.com/index...lars-1860-o/

WB104 heres a good article for you.


looks like someone already gave it to you.

Not every coin date/mint mark has varieties but most do. However most varieties aren't worth any premium nor do they solicit much interest, It's the outstanding ones that seem to get the bulk of interest, look to the popular series; Like Lincoln Cents - 1922 plain D, 1955 and 1972 Double Die, my favorite series, the 2¢ pieces have the 1864 Small Motto and the 1867 Double Die. Morgan dollars have had a big push with varieties due to the popularity of VAMs specifically the Top 100 VAMs, Buffalo Nickels have there share too, the 1913 Type I & II, 1916 Doubled Die, the 3 legged and D/S mint marks, Mercury Dimes have the 1942/1 and the micro S, just to list a few of the more popular one.

I suggest that you acquire the Cherry Pickers Guides (now in the 5th edition) co-authored by Bill Fivaz and JT Stanton, there are two volumes, the first one covering the lower denominations is a good place to start on lower cost coins. Also if you like Morgan dollars then get the TOP 100 VAM keys as well.

You can and will make money if you learn what to look for and attend coin shows or dealer shops, using knowledge gleaned from that book. In the past decade I've turned quite a few under $20.00 coin purchases into $200.00 or more, and a couple of times a lot more (twice over $1000.00)! Certain varieties are a lot of fun to search out, and when you finally find one for the price of a non variety coin - you SCORE big time if you decide to sell, as varieties generally have a strong market for the tough and popular ones.