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 Replies: 16 / Views: 2,428 |
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New Member
United States
19 Posts |
I have recently purchased an 1837 Half Dime and was told by a local dealer it had been tooled. Please lend your opinion.  |
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Valued Member
United States
243 Posts |
I don't know much about them but those lines for her hair look quite deep.
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New Member
 United States
19 Posts |
And they appear to flair out. I am confused.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
Below the chin and just above the ear, metal is clearly pushed into a ridge--ie not struck that way.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1304 Posts |
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.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
Here's a side-by-side with an MS 1837 Half Dime.  |
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Valued Member
United States
110 Posts |
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
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Valued Member
United States
149 Posts |
Definitely tooled. The engraver was pretty skilled though to be able to do that to a Half Dime, it doesn't look half bad for such a small size. Edited by jgettings00
01/15/2014 3:49 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8516 Posts |
Can you post a pic of the entire obverse ?
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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New Member
United States
19 Posts |
My camera is set up for other activities right now, but here is a shot of the upper half.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8516 Posts |
Yeah that looks pretty obvious.
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8137 Posts |
It does. the rest of the coin looks fine though and that has me puzzled. Also why would they tool the hair instead of something like the date or maybe add a mintmark. This coin raises a lot of questions for me.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7617 Posts |
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. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1796 Posts |
I concur: This has been tooled. It is pretty certain.
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Moderator
 United States
16679 Posts |
Tooling without a doubt. Avoid.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
4944 Posts |
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Replies: 16 / Views: 2,428 |
Posted 01/15/2014 2:47 pm
