1809 Drapped Bust Half Dollar...fake Or Real?

This coin does NOT have the edge marks...the seller is asking $100 for it. She claims to have taken it to a coin shop where they offered her $100 for it, but she preferred to sell it to me since she'd shown it to me first. Oh...I have never bought my own coin, but did inherit my fathers personal collection, and I want to add to it...I don't know if I should buy or not. I don't have one...but I keep wondering if it's a fake...it did not looked cleaned in person, but there were nicks and the edge gouge. Buy or don't buy....oh goodness!!

Thanks to all who've helped me with this decision. My father was an avid collector...but nothing of any real value...except for two wonderful 1955 Double Die's. :) Everything else is little stuff worth $100 or less each. Not really sure what to do with it...perhaps I should open a new subject to get that kind of help. :)

I was hoping to use this coin as an opportunity to learn as much as I could about it. Seems I've learned a lot...everything from the weight of the coin to the three edging styles. I get very scared to spend ANY money...but suspect the coin is worth what they are asking...I was hoping someone here could just confirm. This was where I started...but because I've never purchased one of my own...well, I'm nervous. Certainly wasn't looking to toss cash around, but the opportunity rose for what looks like a decent valued coin, a decent price. I just wasn't sure how bad an impact to the edge would affect the value. My father was the coin collector, and he tried to teach me over the years...but there was SO much to learn...lol. He was kind enough to pass down two nice 1955 Double Die Lincolns...but the rest was stuff the holds little value...so now I'm looking to learn what all of the stuff is, and hopefully, pass it down, along with some knowledge to my own children. I appreciate your opinion. Thanks...nice to know folks are watching out.

These type of deals don't come around too often. From the small pics it looks to be worth considerably more than $100.

Hello Charlee,
First things first...... Welcome From One Newbie To Another!! This forum is composed of a great bunch of guys and gals!

Now on to your coin, as I have mentioned in other posts I have been out of this for some time. However a friend brought me an old 2011 copy of the U.S. Coin Price Guide (Coins Vol 58 No. 9) and it shows the 1809 in XF 40 ranging from $375.00 to $550.00 depending on your edge. This of course is "the book" and the book doesn't have any money .... As you already probably know a coin is worth what someone is willing to pay for it...period!

Based on what I can see your coin would be a XF-40 but I think the ding in the edge is going to downgrade that rating. Like I said I have been out of this for many years and these guys and gals do this every day so they will probably be more accurate than I.

I will try to dig mine out and post it, however my camera is not doing justice to my coins so it may not be worth posting after I try......but I will try.

Again welcome aboard, and God bless...rcordell

Picked up my new coin today...here's some better images including the flaw.










Thanks to everyone! :D

Thank you. I was a little concerned as there was one under ebay's completed listing that sold for a "best offer" but had been listed at $287 or so...the numbers look different...it had me seriously wondering if this was counterfeit. After reviewing many more...I'm wondering if the one that sold wasn't.

You were all so helpful here. I sure do appreciate it. :) I'm glad I've found a place that I can come to for learning...I sure do appreciate it. :)

Charlee,
Sorry it took so long, I had to find it!! These are bad pictures and this coin is a 1826.....but I like it!!





Hope you enjoy yours, and someday turn a wonderful profit on it! Take care and God bless. rcordell