1837 Half Dime - Is This Tooling?

And they appear to flair out. I am confused.

There is supposed to be a "clasp" or "ribbon" in the hair to the right of the ear, which appears to have been partially removed in the coin above. Something does not look right. Couple that with what appears sharp edges on some of the details where they should be smooth with that level of circulation (for example, the chin and hair line above forehead/ear). I am not an expert, but believe this coin has been altered.

As a casual observer, not with no expert credentials at all, I'd say it's a no-brainer and the dealer got it right. Comparing it to a few online images, it looks really crude, a cartoon created by a few deep but incorrect lines on a previously flat surface instead of the sculpted shapes of an untouched example.

That, or a unique Cheap Wig variety.

I'm just saying...

-Duncan

Can you post a pic of the entire obverse ?

Yeah that looks pretty obvious.

Appears to be other areas played with, too. The gown line below the neck and the hand holding the staff just doesn't look right to me. Somebody tried to turn a "fine" into an "extra fine". It might also have been used as an experimental piece for the coin doctor to hone his skills before tackling bigger jobs like Seated dollars or classic gold.

Tooling without a doubt. Avoid.

with tooling.




Nice, Duncan_Doenitz!