1851 Half Cent - Need Advice

MS-63BN

Nice but almost seems that the fields are better quality than the devices.

Well its authentic, but I have no idea why the rims and denticals look off or missing. I will pass on this coin but wanted your thoughts. Its graded 65bn but obviously has something a bit weird going on. I do like the look of it in the slab shots, but up close its very questionable IMO.

The Cohen reference says there is only one variety this year, the Cohen-1. This coin is clearly struck with a late die state obverse die as the rim is partially missing. The rim is also weaker in the reverse, but less so. As the dies strike a large number of coins, the rims and denticles deteriorate and the metal in the die striking the fine denticles moves. That could explain the difference in the appearance of the denticles. The red example was struck with a fresher die.

I think the coin looks fine and is authentic. Color could be enhanced by photo balance. I would rather pay ms64bn money for this as there are a few marks and the strike, especially of the rims is not full. I would balk at paying full freight at 65bn.

This coin is legit and was struck with a deteriorated die, most likely causing the denticles to look different than examples struck from a fresher die. However, I'd pass on this one, as it doesn't have good eye appeal for the grade, IMO.