Can't Decide If I Love It Or Hate It - 1847 Liberty Seated Half (GTG Revealed - AU58+)
CPJ
Posts: 78 ✭✭✭
I picked up this Liberty Seated Half a while back and finally got around to imaging it. I've been going back and forth trying to decide if I truly like it or not. From my end the pros are a strong strike, frosting on the devices, a mirror like appearance in hand, and some cool die cracks. The cons, the obvious scratches in the fields and an odd, streaking discoloration.
The pros and cons weigh back and forth, and I am curious to get the thoughts from the group on the coins strengths and weaknesses. I'm very interested to also see what I've missed. I'll post the grade in a few days for those who want to give it a shot.
First, here's the coin in typical lighting. Getting the color right was a job. I resorted to using a ColorChecker and then a 18% gray card to be sure it was accurate.
With the mirror-like surfaces, I gave axial lighting a try and was pleasantly surprised with the results as it does give a good approximation of the in hand look. This is one of the few coins I've tried that did well with this technique:
For another in hand perspective, here are shots out of iPhone using diffused daylight lighting. I'm still pleasantly surprised how well the iPhone can capture these
Finally, here are a few images of the die cracks on the reverse.
Comments
My personal perspective on any given coin is, if I can't decide if I like it or not, then I don't like it. The negatives will never go away.
Your images are fabulous!
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
looks beautiful
I'm probably (just) north of the midpoint between love and hate. The toning streaks are a bit distracting. In spite of the striking weakness on the eagle's leg, the devices have a nice, bold appearance. I'd guess AU58 on the grade.
nice
55
Not my series, but nothing about that coin would cause it to fall from grace with me. All of the pics make it look like a nice coin.
With all that said, if it’s not what you’re after, let the next guy give it a shot and use the funds for one you truly enjoy.
Grade-wise, no real clue, especially looking at it on my phone. So I’ll go with a solid MS-63.
Good job on the photos!
Prooflike surfaces are often disappointing on circulated coins. Scratches show prominently, especially in photos. In-hand they can be less objectionable and I try not to dwell on them when I otherwise like the coin.
The fields are a little rough for my taste. But I really like the frosting contrast and the condition of the devices. If it were mine I'd keep it but watch for an attractive upgrade.
Looks mid-AU to me. I'd guess 53.
Lance.
I'm leaning much closer to love it than hate it. Pic number 1 is how I'd prefer the in hand look, but that's just me.
I like @lkeigwin for the grade estimation.
I am at mid AU as well. Very good photos.
I think I'm in the 55 camp. Would rather see it in hand.
It is a WB-12 which is a better die marriage rarity wise at R5, that would be a strength. From the pictures I don't know that I would love the coin in hand, but I would probably still keep it for my die marriage collection. If you just want a nice example for type you could probably do better. Your photos are nice and certainly tell a good story concerning different lighting techniques.
Seated Dollar Collection
Based on the first set of images, it looks like it is full of hairlines. I'm a crusty (getting) older guy and that's how I like my coins.
Chances are, in the end, this is the direction I will take. I'll give it a bit, but if I focus on the negatives more than the positives, I'll move on.
Thank you! I've been working on my technique, and hopefully I can capture the essence of the coin well enough to help in my decision making once it's in the bank.
Nice images. Just try to be the best custodian of the specimen.
I like it.
I agree with @TomB , those are great images ... and I think it's a really good looking coin.
I can see it as a 58, wouldn't be surprised if it's a 55, but would be a little surprised if it's in an Unc holder. Even good images are tough to grade by though on a coin like that.
If you hate it, PM me. I have a nice group of those and I might want to consider placing it over here.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Ah, a “but for” coin. If I somehow mistakenly include them in my collection, I get rid of them promptly.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
53
I like it.
Excellent pictures which tell a story (about lighting etc.) in themselves. Nice coin... I would keep it. Cheers, RickO
They are great examples of the difference lighting can make whether intended or unintended.
The first one I would guess AU-53.
The second one AU-58 to 60.
The third looks MS-62ish.
That is why seeing in person beats all photos.
The streaks don't bother me. Hard to tell how significant the marks are but I still like it. Then again I also can like holed; damaged; ugly etc. It comes down to value for me which is different than the way many others make decisions.
Bottom line is that you have to go with what you like.
"To Be Esteemed Be Useful" - 1792 Birch Cent --- "I personally think we developed language because of our deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
As stated above, very nice photos.
I don't see any wear from your photos.
Nice half dollar IMHO. I'll GTG as MS60.
I totally agree with the 'but' issues. If you see issues with the half dollar, it is probably best you let it go.
Just me but how can you not like it?
"I spent 50% of my money on alcohol, women, and gambling. The other half I wasted.
Wow. This is what I find so amazing about the site. Once you identified the die marriage, it took me 20 minutes to locate the document and another 30 to go through the reference points. I doubt I would have been able to so independently. Thank you for doing so.
Here are a few other closeups of the reference points of the WB-12 (just cropping, not breaking out the 5x again).
And for grins, here some of the alternate full images that shows the crack from the head better. For these shots, I used a hybrid axial technique that I've seen described here before. It a combination of a diffuse axial with a diffuse direct light. It does create some hot spots, but does show certain features better.
great job on the photos, and I like the coin, too. I'd say mid AU on the grade, also.
Great photos... Sort of at a loss as to what is it about this coin that creates doubt.
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
I'm in the 55 crowd as well, I would have to see in hand to judge the surfaces but I like your images, well done.
Best, SH
It comes down to the light I am using to view it. In some the scratches and discoloration are minimized, and I'm very positive on it. Then in others, they are much more prominent. What I haven't said up to now, is I am considering replacing another coin with this one in my Everyman set. The other has a great deal of character, but this is a higher grade.
Let's see the other coin!!!!!!
Thanks! It's the scratches in the fields more than anything else. On the obverse, they fill an empty space and draw my eye. They happen to be most prominent at an angle where the coin is about to light up.
I will add my 2 cents.
R5 is very good
Eye appeal is good to very good
grade appears very good
Summary from the images it appears you have a very nice half dollar
You are welcome. After you have looked at thousands of coins as a die marriage collector it starts to go a little faster. Once you are done with the basic set I would encourage you to look for the better varieties and then perhaps pick a few dates to collect by die marriage or one die marriage to collect by die state, if you have interest. It is a fantastic series to collect.
Good luck in the hunt!
Seated Dollar Collection
You buy that grade you get field hairlines.
Cool sharp pics I like
well, if you don't like it send it to me as a Christmas present, I will love it forever.
Nice job on the photos! As for the coin, I'd have to see it it hand, but based on the images I'd probably keep it in my collection. I'm working on the basic registry set for that series and remember that date and mint being fairly tough to find. The easiest 1840's O mints to find (for me) were the 1843 and 1844.
10-4,
My Instagram picturesErik
My registry sets
Great images!
Overall I like her. I'm going to go with AU55
AU 55. I like the second shot with axial lighting. Nice.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Thanks all for your comments on the coin and the positive feedback on the images. I've been working on my technique to capture the true essence of the coin so I can have a good feel for it once it is dropped off at the bank. So on to the GTG and some explanation of why I'm torn on the coin.
The coin graded AU58+. One of the reasons I bought it is I wanted to see what a 58+ looked like and compare it to my AU58 that is already in my collection. This collection is a 19th Century Everyman. What I look for in this collection is a coin with character that keeps drawing my interest. I’m not opposed to a blast white coin, but there needs to be something unique that will bring me back such as die cracks, an over date, RPM, etc. I tend to favor crusty or colored coins if I like their look.
The most common answer on the grade was AU55, and in hand I agree. The mirror surfaces and frosting give the coin a character that many don’t have, and I suspect this is why it graded 58+. Is it a nice coin? Absolutely, and it does have character. However, the hairlines take just enough away for me to have my doubts about the coin’s grade as they are very prominent at certain angles.
@chesterb asked to see the other coin. I imaged it earlier, and those images aren’t quite on par with what I took for this coin. What I will likely do is take a few more images of that coin and then post both in the form of a poll to see what the group feedback is. I’d be very interested to see what the group thinks of both and to hear what I have missed in my evaluation.
Thanks again everyone for your insight and time!