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 Replies: 8 / Views: 1,153 |
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Member
United States
917 Posts |
'Evenin guys , I was wondering why is it that on so many classic coins the Liberty is almost always gone on circulated coins,rarely seen on barbour dimes , Liberty nickels seem to lose it early yet when looking at even older more circulated coins like bust halfs its almost always very prominent even though the coin might be well worn. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
Many of the Busties saw little circulation, ergo less wear. They were hoarded and tucked away more than any other classic series. They re-appeared in the late 19th, early 20th century, but few went to circulation. The majority went to numismatists where most were treated with loving care. The ones that did go to circulation saw little use before they were pulled by collectors. I believe the hoarding was the result of speculation and volatility in the silver market and actual silver content of the bust halves compared to foreign counterparts. Others "Bust Specialists" may be able to refine this hypothesis.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6381 Posts |
It is simply a matter of coin design. On Barber coins (including Liberty Head nickels) the word LIBERTY is rather shallowly engraved and is located on a design high point, so it wears down quickly. It is a useful grade indicator since the letters start to become unreadable after the coin is worn beyond a grade of Very Fine. Bust halves have LIBERTY very heavily engraved onto Miss Liberty's headband and it remains fully legible even on low-grade coins. For these coins you need to look at hair and wing feather detail, talons, drapery, etc. to determine the grade for circulated examples. Edited by Jaobler
06/12/2009 11:39 am
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Member
 United States
917 Posts |
Its heartbreaking it really is , I got a beautiful near pristine 1900 quarter this morning , I can find little fault with it but for the liberty is gone from around his brow , nothing else is worn , just that..gone.
Thanks for the reply Seatednut , I've seen some very worn bust halfs but the liberty is usually there , maybe they carved it deeper?
Ahhhh just seen your reply Jaobler , thank you.
Edited by wetglaswegian
06/12/2009 11:30 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
Sometimes an answer goes a completely different direction. Looking at Jaobler's response and your acknowledgement, I realize you were asking about the legend letters "LIBERTY" and not the profile.
[Takes out towel and removes egg from face ...]
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2520 Posts |
I agree with coin design!
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Member
United States
917 Posts |
My fault Seated nut , I'm not always too clear on what I mean..still a noob  Heres a perfect example of what I mean , an outstanding quarter , looks great , even better in hand as my photo skills suck , but wheres the liberty ..ya know This coin is so brilliant its noticably new looking..yet no liberty , really annoying.  Edited by wetglaswegian
06/15/2009 11:16 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
It appears to have a partial LIBERTY.
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Member
United States
917 Posts |
My eyes are officially kapoot then Conder101 , what chance do I have with dimes when quarters are too tough for me.I hope it does have a partial liberty , this is the one ill keep and I've 2 or 3 others to move on now.I only want 2 or 3 of each type coin,ive 1/4 roll of standing libertys somewhere , I remember putting them away out the way of the last cleanup..havnt seen'em since.For Washington examples I used the silver bi centinniel and a few old silver bird quarters.
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,153 |
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Posted 06/12/2009 11:26 am
