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 Replies: 13 / Views: 1,235 |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3098 Posts |
Another question for everyone. I came across an auction for a 1892 Barber half dollar that looked to be a nice AU with heavy toning. Does this look like original toning and what grade would you give the coin? The photos are the seller's. The coin went for about $160. From the photos I couldn't tell what sort of luster the coin might have.   Paul Bulgerin
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1094 Posts |
Not sure on the toning, awful dark, but the reverse looks pretty close to MS as well as the obverse. But let's wait to hear from the experts. Did you get the coin?
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Reverse in this photo seems to show more wear than obverse, but I think (absent a better photo) that it has some circulation and has just been in poor storage for a long time. Typical first-year-of-issue putback. Crapshoot, too far gone for me.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3098 Posts |
No, I didn't win it. I put in a modest bid, but it shot way up at the last second.
I didn't want to go too high not knowing for sure about the toning, luster and condition.
Paul Bulgerin
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8517 Posts |
Kinda looks like a dug coin.
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
RIP, bad deal for somebody in my view.
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
Toning is such a personal thing. I have one friend who only buys blast white, and another who loves super dark toning (like this coin). When we go to a show together it is amazing how different they perceive what is yummy. Barber halves (and quarters) are one of easiest types to grade because of nearly exact way the circulation shows on the eagles wings on the reverse. With a very few exceptions, regardless of mint or year, grading these is very controlled. I strongly recommend PCGS's photo grade as a wonderful and exact way of determining grade. I put this one at AU 50, possibly 53. If you've ever tried this series in 40 or better I think most folks will quickly come to the conclusion that almost any barber half is tough above that mark. I wouldn't have paid that amount for this coin, but Ill bet the winner will be happy with it at that price. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
 this is a hard one to grade. It doesn't have a full reverse motto because of wear. too dark , no eye appeal. your lucky you were out bid. EF-40  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4932 Posts |
I personally think it's ungradable.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
18684 Posts |
Tough to grade silver with this much oxidation. I'm at low AU. 50 or 53 tops.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
Borders on (if not crosses the border to) environmental damage.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5854 Posts |
The toning doesn't look artificial to me but I think it is very likely that it would be details graded for environmental damage. I think it has AU details.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
36826 Posts |
AU-50 details, environmental damage
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
Mid range AU could easily get a details grade from a TPG, I'd acetone it followed by a liberal dousing of Verdi-Care if it were my coin, that might tell us more as to the surface condition and if it all just surface gunk of etched into the coin. "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 |
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Replies: 13 / Views: 1,235 |
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Posted 07/06/2015 5:38 pm
