1835 Capped Bust half dime (w/grading poll)

lordmarcovan · February 21, 2013 4:09PM

This coin was the subject of an earlier thread.

It was my sixth purchase for the new 19th century VF-XF Basic Type Set (which is up to eleven coins now as of this post).

I initially had my doubts about it, but after the commentary of some half dime specialist folks and now seeing it in hand, my doubts have been put to rest and I must say I am quite pleased with it. Particularly as I was able to produce a much better set of pictures with my scanner than the seller did with his camera. Of course he was shooting through a dusty 2x2 holder. I've got a higher-end scanner and it actually does pretty nice coin pictures (for a scanner), but only on "crusty" circulated coins. It's less optimal on coins with colorful toning, and if there is bright luster or proof/prooflike mirrors, you can forget about it. The folks with a good camera setup will beat a scanner any day of the week, but I'm actually pretty proud of how this set of scans turned out.

Larger obverse picture

Larger reverse picture

PCGS/Photograde standards

Index of similar grading poll threads like this

lordmarcovan · February 21, 2013 4:12PM

I went for the neutral poll option again.

magikbilly · February 21, 2013 4:19PM

Hi LM,

Those surfaces. Perhaps the scanner.

Best,
Eric

lordmarcovan · February 21, 2013 5:16PM

Maybe the scanner, maybe not. Like I said, it's got a gunmetal, semi-iridescent sheen to the blacker toning.

Might grade, might not, at a TPG. I don't care. I like it. It's very CircCam.

lordmarcovan · February 22, 2013 1:46AM

Bump for the midday crowd.

IrishMikey · February 22, 2013 2:34AM

I voted VF-25 on this one. Assuming that the images accurately represent the coin, I think it is
a great circulated example. So many have been cleaned or worked on.

No one is using the VG-8 option with your polls anymore. Did they give up?

BillJones · February 22, 2013 3:15AM

I voted "genuine, no grade, problem coin." The surfaces are corroded and rough. Although you see corrosion far more often on copper coins, silver coins are not immune. This one has VF sharpness, but it will not grade because of the environmental damage.

telephoto1 · February 22, 2013 3:57AM

I disagree with the sentiments expressed in the other thread; I think this coin is a real VF20. I do agree about the environmental damage, however some judicious conservation should make some if not most of it go away without negatively impacting eye appeal.

rhedden · February 22, 2013 4:26AM

I was borderline F15 or VF20 on this one, but went with VF20. There is just enough drapery detail to get it to slab VF. The coin has a pleasing look overall, though the toning is a tad darker than some people would like. The wear on the eagle's wings almost made me say it's F15, but I think it has enough meat to squeak out the 20. With the face being as flat as it is, and with heavy wear throughout, I find it difficult to stretch to VF30 or 35 as some folks have. The coin has a pleasing overall look, and I like it as a VF Type set addition.

DanielBoone · February 22, 2013 4:49AM

I also agree that coin could be F15 or VF20 (for the obverse), but I went with the F15 because of the weak wings on the reverse. The coin could use a little work...some residual PVC or other crud that could easily be removed.

1835 Capped Bust half dime (w/grading poll)

Comments

Leave a Comment