The denticle screamed proof to me. So I checked a couple of other proofs, they all have very distinct denticles like the one Fayette1800 posted. I surely though the grade would be higher than it was, but you win some and you loose some. Most of the proofs I found were either PR61/62 or PF66/67. I didn't think they were really all that expensive (relatively). The price on Proof 1871
Half Dimes seemed to be at or under $500 for the low end proof grades.
"Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013!
ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector.
See my want page:
http://goccf.com/t/140440