Inexperienced at grading, what prevented this seated half from pr64?

PeakRarities

I'm not experienced at all with coin grading but id like to learn more. I understand the basic principles but the tough part for me is understanding how grading differs from series to series. I picked up this proof seated half recently and it looks to be pretty lustrous for 160 year old silver, perhaps it was even dipped at one time? The strike looks decent and the fields are clean, with extra lighting there's like one little scratch to the right of her knee. It looks as good if not better than some ms64 coins I have but i don't have a lot of proof coins. any insight or knowledge is much appreciated.

braddick

Hairlines and/or surface etching by the toning.

MFeld

In most cases, it’s virtually impossible to provide accurate grade assessments of proof coins based on images. That’s because many more times than not, the grade is largely dependent upon the extent of hairlines, which aren’t (fully) apparent in images.

Rexford

Excessive dipping / processing

The_Dinosaur_Man

The coin has plenty of hairlines and cabinet friction, plus numerous hits at Liberty's knees.

2dueces

No matter the grade that is one nice coin and it would look great in any collection. Congratulations

Dave99B

Most likely dipping/light hairline issues, but still … it’s a very nice Proof half.

Dave

jdimmick

As mark said, proof coins are nearly impossible to grade determine from photo's, but I see too many hairlines and disturbances in field for a 64

BillJones

The dullish areas on the reverse and obverse would take it out of the PR-64 class. A PR-64 will have no dull spots in the fields, only minor marks. There is not a huge difference between the PR-64 and 65 coins aside from the fact that the PR-65 coins need better eye appeal and often original, never been dipped surfaces.

This is often the result of too much or dipping for too long.

Crypto

@BillJones said:
The dullish areas on the reverse and obverse would take it out of the PR-64 class. A PR-64 will have no dull spots in the fields, only minor marks. There is not a huge difference between the PR-64 and 65 coins aside from the fact that the PR-65 coins need better eye appeal and often original, never been dipped surfaces.

This is often the result of too much or dipping for too long.

And if not original surfaces at least glassy mirrors or unbroken textures

PeakRarities

Really appreciate everyone whos chiming in here, its helping me out alot. I'm mainly going to be focusing on pre 33 gold moving forward but I always loved the seated half for some reason

Smudge

I suspect hairlines, but it is a very nice coin.

logger7

Probably not a cac potential coin, just not enough originality.

Keshequa

Hairlines definitely, dipped likely.

Flatwoods

I don't see the hairlines. There could be some.

I immediately thought that it looked heavily dipped and unnatural.

Steven59

Lifeless fields. Fingerprints apparent.

Treashunt

The obv fingerprint will do it.

ricko

Hairlines and a couple of dings in the obverse fields... Looks properly graded to me. Cheers, RickO

MFeld

@Treashunt said:
The obv fingerprint will do it.

There are fingerprints on many coins of higher grades. It's unlikely that the print accounts for the grade.

BillJones

My type coin for the No Motto , Seated Liberty half dollar is a Mint State piece.

Here's the closest I have to the OP coin. This piece is graded PR-64.

sellitstore

Hairlines only become fully visible at a very specific angle, so the coin has to be held and tilted to get just the right angle to fully view any hairlines. That's why photos don't really work for viewing hairlines. Dull luster and pale color also suggest dipping.

291fifth

Too many hairlines and a generally bland appearance. It has probably been dipped more than once.

TomB

Given your self-proclaimed lack of experience and the way you mix numismatic terms in your post, I would strongly suggest you stop buying coins you don't understand and instead learn first-hand, if possible, about coins before going farther.

It may read as though I am a jerk, but I am giving you the best advice you have received in this thread.

Treashunt

@MFeld said:

@Treashunt said:
The obv fingerprint will do it.

There are fingerprints on many coins of higher grades. It's unlikely that the print accounts for the grade.

okay, but---

fathom

Dippy-do too much.

WAYNEAS

Outstanding coin and your pictures are second to none.
I would also say the hairlines and the rub mark on the left knee are the reason for the 63.
Wayne

PeakRarities

@TomB said:
Given your self-proclaimed lack of experience and the way you mix numismatic terms in your post, I would strongly suggest you stop buying coins you don't understand and instead learn first-hand, if possible, about coins before going farther.

It may read as though I am a jerk, but I am giving you the best advice you have received in this thread.

I understand, that's probably sound advice, but I learn best by making mistakes. I buy coins at a price point that I could liquidate them with minimal loss and if I need to. There are some coin dealers in my area but they double as jewelry stores and I'm sure that their prices are insane. And I'm not the type to waste someone's time if I'm not buying anything. If anyone knows of any reputable places in south Florida then I would check it out for sure, but south Florida is a land of fraud and overpriced stuff . But I see now that when buying a coin online pictures can definitely be deceiving. Thank you for your advice!

AngryTurtle

If you take a close look at the trueview, it looks like there are plenty of hairlines in the fields. @DeplorableDan, take a close look at the trueview and then look at the real coin, moving the light around till you can see them "in the flesh"

AMRC

Hairlines on a proof will do it every time.

Catbert

In early January in Orlando, you can attend the biggest coin show of the year (sponsored by FUN - Florida United Numismatics) and see in hand thousands of coins from hundreds of dealers. This would be a great opportunity to dunk yourself into the hobby and learn. Believe me, it's worth the trip especially if you can easily drive to attend.

funtopics.com/fun-convention.html

Also, get familiar with CoinFacts that has an image database and auction prices realized info at your fingertips

https://pcgs.com/coinfacts://

PeakRarities

@Catbert said:
In early January in Orlando, you can attend the biggest coin show of the year (sponsored by FUN - Florida United Numismatics) and see in hand thousands of coins from hundreds of dealers. This would be a great opportunity to dunk yourself into the hobby and learn. Believe me, it's worth the trip especially if you can easily drive to attend.

funtopics.com/fun-convention.html

Also, get familiar with CoinFacts that has an image database and auction prices realized info at your fingertips

[https://pcgs.com/coinfacts://](https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts:/

Oh nice, ill definitely clear my schedule, Orlando is a few hour drive so not too bad. Thanks for the heads up! and I have been utilizing coinfacts as far as auction values and realized prices, the main thing I need to work on is examining the images better and trying to make sure that when I buy a slabbed coin I'm not buying a less desirable example. I'm probably gonna just be more patient and bid more on great collections or heritage, where the pictures are better quality, rather than trying to pick coins off of eBay.