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 Replies: 13 / Views: 1,635 |
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New Member
United States
39 Posts |
Hello all, I am a new collector and am thoroughly enjoying my experience thus far. I am not a flipper, and I enjoy both coins and bullion. I have read plenty on the subject of collecting coins and am finding out how little I know about the subject, but I am enjoying the journey that I have started. Today I received an early birthday present of this 1877 Seated Liberty half dollar and I have a few observations on this coin. The mint mark appears to be worn smooth and I believe it to be an "S". I am new to grading, but I believe it to be in Fine condition, but I am not sure how the ding damage on the edge would affect this grading. I would love to hear any opinions that you all may have on this coin and maybe more information that may help me learn more about this coin. I am very happy with having this coin joining my collection!   |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
You coin does appear to have the sharpness of a Fine grade, but you are correct that the rim damage detracts from the appeal and value, especially for such a common date. Spotting on the obverse is also a drawback. Overall, the coin would probably warrant a "details" grade.  to the CCF! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8715 Posts |
 with the Frog. And yes, that is an S mintmark. to the CCF! |
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New Member
 United States
39 Posts |
I appreciate the replies, I am very happy with this coin.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Tell us more about your collecting interests and goals!
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New Member
United States
39 Posts |
Being a new collector, I haven't found a niche that I fall into. I like some of the modern series of coins (or bullion), but I have always enjoyed history all my life and coins are a good way to connect with it. Although it would be nice to get into ancients, I am pretty occupied learning about the various U.S. coinage first. My father has been a coin collector most of my life that I can remember and although we view the hobby in different perspectives, I feel share some common ground too. The coin that I posted at the start of this thread was a gift, and it is my first Seated Liberty specimen. I have quite a few different examples of post-1900 coinage, I have yet to obtain much pre-1900 with the exception of some Morgans. There is a lot to learn beyond what was going on in society at the time these coins were minted, when you have to learn about the varieties within each year or die sets used and etc...
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
Honestly, disregarding any problems and accompanying net grading, this piece looks VF20 to me. If it graded problem-free at a TPG an F12 grade is the most you could hope for though. Welcome to CCF my friend. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
You may want to read a bit on the usage of Acetone. Your coin could possibly be much more desirable after a dip in Acetone. You can learn a lot of this by using the Search tab. That is a nice coin but one thing your going to learn is Seated Liberty coins of any kind become really difficult to find and are all rather expensive. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
509 Posts |
to CCF and to the hobby, Nice coin. |
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Moderator
 United States
188130 Posts |
to the Community! |
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New Member
United States
39 Posts |
I'm sorry I was unable to respond before now, but I appreciate the welcomes here. I would like to apologize to anybody that I may have offended when I said that this was my first 'Seated Liberty specimen". I used this term as a generic term and now understand the implications of calling a coin a specimen. I should have said my first example. I feel like I will be in retirement and still learning about this hobby as there is so much to take in about it.
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Moderator
United States
188130 Posts |
It is okay. In the context of your post I believe most of us knew what you meant.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
If you don't capitalize specimen your OK. Capitalization is important, for example there is a big difference between a very good coin, and a Very Good coin. The lower case very good implies a much nicer than average coin, while Very Good locks it into a specific condition at the lower end of the grading scale. So specimen means "an example" while Specimen indicate a special coin made for a special purpose or presentation.
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Moderator
United States
188130 Posts |
Well said, Conder.  |
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Replies: 13 / Views: 1,635 |
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Posted 08/22/2018 7:49 pm
