Update #4 - Completed Circulated Classic Silver Commemorative Type Set

Great Alabama David! I completely agree that it should grade somewhere in the neighborhood of G06.
I've noticed the same thing you mentioned, that circulated Alabamas tend to have a "bright" look. Not sure why that is, but both of my examples have a similar look.

Either way, congratulations!

Very nice! Congrats on your latest find! I hope you get the downgrade you're expecting!

Nice overall look and even wear across the coin. Seeing it in close proximity to HONDO's example, my eyes see the same variable rim characteristics that I discussed for his (I won't repeat myself it here). Any thoughts on the more likely cause?

Quoted from commems kind reply to HONDO well circulated Alabama:




You can observe the same uneven rim wear on the reverse of the Alabama half - note for example the difference between the date '1819' and the legend 'OF ALABAMA'. Note as well that the 'higher rims' are generally 180 degrees apart (more to come on that).




@commems - I do not have a definitive answer ... but offer the following as informed speculation:

Fact - the obverse and reverse portraits on the 1921 Alabama half (both varieties) were stuck in high relief ... not quite as high as the lovely 1927 Vermont half - but approaching that level of relief relative to the coins fields.

Assume - Laura Gardin Fraser was a good enough designer to ensure that the rims of her new coin (as issued) were higher than the highest relief of either portrait.

Assume - Ms. Fraser was a good enough designer to ensure the coins rims as issued were of uniform height.

Assume - Any coin reaching this state of circulation wear has most likely been uniformly circulated ... that is ... whatever wear occurred over the coins lifetime has been evenly and uniformly distributed across all surfaces in an equitable manner.

Fact - Whatever wear has occurred (assuming uniform as discussed above) will be most pronounced on the highest points of the coins relief ... and least pronounced on the coins lowest points of relief.

Fact - The 'uneven rim' wear commems commented on is visible as well in mid-circulated grade Alabama half dollars - as evidenced in this photo of my current PCGS VF30 example.



Fact - We observe higher rims in the circulated state adjacent to the legends "OF" on the obverse and "OF ALA" on the reverse ... consistent between both of my and HONDO examples.

Fact (maybe) - If you accept the assumption of uniform circulation wear ... that implies these rim locations were the lowest relief available to wear and hence the most protected.

Fact (maybe) - anyone willing to take apart a true MS Alabama and measure the relief of the coins highest points relative to the rim heights will likely note that Governor T.E. Kilby hair and the eagle left wing feathers are the highest points of portrait relief ... photo of my MS65 Alabama:



Assume (and this closes the deal) - Those highest points of portrait relief (180 degrees apart) served to protect their respective aligned rims from the otherwise uniform circulation wear observable in these honestly circulated coins.

This was a fun exercise in answering a simple question.

Note as well the joy of discovery in these rarely seen circulated examples of tremendous coins ... fans of MS coins only would likely never note the influence of the coins portrait relief on long-term wear. Hat's off to the circulated set as a valued numismatic experience.

Anyways ... that's my speculative story ... could be wrong ... but I'm sticking with it.

David

Update on the well-circulated Fort Vancouver half dollar shown previously ....

The PCGS wizards have rendered their opinion ... pleased to share the image again with the new lofty (lowball) grade:

1925 Fort Vancouver Centennial Half Dollar - PCGS FR02



This is the current PCGS Pop 1/0 lowball - barely edging my friend not-mint-to-be lovely AG03 example.

The search for these treasured coins in honestly circulated state is a never ending quest filled (for me) with tremendous numismatic treasure hunting joy.

Wondering when the next true lowball circulated classic silver commemorative will appear?

It is out there somewhere - waiting to be brought forth and discovered.

David

That is one worn Vancouver!! Congrats on taking over the "bottom" spot in the census!

Thrilled to share with you my latest downgrade for the set ... a very rare coin in this state of honest circulation wear.

1937 Roanoke Island Anniversary Half Dollar - PCGS G06



Tremendous example of an outstanding circulated commemorative - and a tribute to my friends/dealers 'eyes' out there looking for me.

This particular coin was discovered by a local dealer ... I had long ago made my interest known to him ... and reinforced the interest at every local show when we intersected.

That diligence in expanding my 'eyes' out there has paid off with the tremendous G06 Roanoke.

This Roanoke is Pop 1/1 ... there exists a PCGS AG03 example ... however not in the 'family' collection.

Somewhere out there is another lower honest coin - and the thrill of that numismatic hunt is what drives my passion for these rare coins.

David

Way to go nickelsearcher on your massive downgrade. I am in awe of your circulated commems set.

Classic commems are sparse in my collection, a couple of worn Columbians and a 1954-S Washington-Carver--though I hope to eventually collect some of the other designs that catch my eye.

-MV

That is a great looking downgrade. There sure are a lot of words on this commem.