Went to my local dealers today and rummaged through his bargain bin. I think I got a few good deals and probably over paid for a few. All in all though I'm happy with what I got.
I did get a 1857
Half Dime in what would have been XF grade except that it looks like someone took a small rounded punch to the center of it. It has a series of small round intentions in the middle of the obverse. Hit hard enough so that the reverse is bowed out a bit.
But the date is in very nice shape as is the "liberty" on the shield and the stars. Also the lettering on the reverse is very nice. I wish my camera would take close ups well enough to show a pic.
I paid $3.00 for it. Was that too much?