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 Replies: 23 / Views: 3,401 |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
6370 Posts |
I visited my lcs today and they had an 1829 Capped Bust half dollar in AU details condition. It has a couple short (<5mm) yet deep (~.25mm) scratches and has been cleaned. The dealer said said that he would take $100 and pay $27 for $2.25 face in 90% silver that I got for next to nothing, for a net cost of $73. Is that a good deal, or should I pass and wait for the coin mentioned originally in this thread? |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
In the future you may still find coins for your collection. Maybe would cost more than today but then too, in the future you may have more money to buy them with. If it's choice between a book for school and a coin, there really shouldn't be a problem. You need the book now, not the coin. Get the book you like and/or want most. Remember that in the future you can look for coins anytime, anywhere. But an education today may end up helping you much more than a coin, any coin. Coins are a hobby and although a little educational, just can't compare to your schooling education.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
I don't know if the Half Dime is a good deal or not. You say a couple of scratches so I assume more than one, a 5mm scratch would be almost a third of the diameter of the coin, and .25 mm deep almost half the thickness of the coin. And then cleaned on top of that. I think I would have to see it and it would really have to be a coin that really "talked" to me. I'd probably stick with the half dollar. Edited by Conder101
05/28/2014 11:02 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
Conder, I believe I said half DOLLAR, not Half Dime. Would that make any difference in your prognosis? Just carl, I like what you said. I've thought about that as well before. That's why I'm probably getting the book first. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Yes it definitely would. Not sure why I saw Half Dime. Still not sure if I would give up the 1839 for the 1829. Sure the condition is lower but how does the eye appeal compare? I haven't seen the 29 so I can't say which I would like better. The location of the scratches and how evident the cleaning would be critical. Still they would have to be fairly bad for an AU capped bust half to not be a fairly good deal at $73. Edited by Conder101
05/29/2014 1:04 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
I went ahead and bought the 1829 half. I used $26 worth of silver (14 silver dimes, a 1964 half, and a silver quarter) that I got for nearly nothing and the upgraded 1834 half for a total of $56, giving me a net price of $44 for the coin. The 1834 half was F/VF condition with an old harsh cleaning, some scratches, and a rim bump. I looked at ebay and determined that it would be really hard to get more than $40 for it, so I sold it for $30. I will post pictures as soon as I get access to my camera. My iPad camera can take only blurry, out-of-focus pictures, so I assumed you guys would not want to see it. There are four scratches (two in front of Liberty's nose and an X over the eagle), all of which are 5mm or less, and they are ~0.1mm deep. The cleaning is evident, but natural light brings it out less than the lights at the lcs. There is light grey peripheral toning on both sides of the coin. It is of the O-117 variety and is in a late die state. There is still a bit of original luster. The wear makes it borderline EF/AU, but I think it pushes over to AU. I am pleased with my purchase and it is a clear upgrade to my previous example. I am also getting the books for those who are wondering. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
I got the book: http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-sinking...em2ed23f36bcHaving a reprint is no substitute for the real thing. I actually collect old books, so I think I would like this better. I just received a $25 ebay gift card for my birthday from my aunt, so that will help. Now I got both the book and the coin for $50. After looking at the coin under proper light, the obverse seems to have been harshly cleaned with strong luster remaining in the protected areas, and the reverse, even though cleaned to a lesser degree, still retains some original cartwheel luster. I think this coin is a solid qualifier for AU-55+ details. Here are the pictures:      |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3843 Posts |
Quote:
I think this coin is a solid qualifier for AU-55+ details  Looks like it has been harshly cleaned and has some graffiti/scratches. Overall not a bad looking coin (with great detail) for the money since a problem-free AU would likely be in excess of $300. |
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Replies: 23 / Views: 3,401 |
First Page
Posted 05/28/2014 10:43 am
