An almost nice G6 1896-s Barber Half

Higashiyama

What in the world happened to this Barber half? It almost looks like it got stuck in a vice -- there are two cuts near the edge on both sides. (roughly 9 o'clock)

It's a fairly difficult date; this would be a nice circulated example without the cuts; as it is, pretty nice, but I'm slightly surprised it straight graded.

PS: currently available on ebay; seller's photos.

jesbroken

Talking about the scratches at 3:00? If so, they don't appear to have been applied at the same time. Just so happened to be in the same areas. Not bad looking for an expensive coin for an album. JMO
Jim

Higashiyama

Sorry, my clock positions are confused!

3:00

Higashiyama

@jesbroken said “Not bad looking for an expensive coin for an album”

Agree! But I can’t quite get over the scratches. This is the last coin I need for my album. 😩

Tramp

@Higashiyama said:
@jesbroken said “Not bad looking for an expensive coin for an album”

Agree! But I can’t quite get over the scratches. This is the last coin I need for my album. 😩

I'd say if it bothers you now it will continue to bother you. Find a coin that you'd be happy with; no regrets.

jesbroken

I agree with Tramp, never buy something that you have reservations about, as that will be what grows on you, not the coin. Me, the two scratches would not prevent my purchase. As I found out years ago, Strike and color mean more to me than minor damages. I have some beautiful coins, that I would not have been able to own with the strike quality and condition they are in without the scratches. Different strokes for different folks. lol
Jim

dsessom

@jesbroken said:
Talking about the scratches at 3:00? If so, they don't appear to have been applied at the same time. Just so happened to be in the same areas. Not bad looking for an expensive coin for an album. JMO
Jim

Jim, it looks to me like the two scratches align almost exactly (obverse and reverse) so I would guess that they occurred at the same time. Not that it really matters.

No Headlights

Possibly a jewelry piece. Be patient. When you says it would be a nice piece but......... It's a pass.

Higashiyama

Yes, definitely a pass for me, but … so close! (I’m actually working on VG08 - VF 25, so it just misses here as well, but I like the look!)

jesbroken

@dsessom said:

@jesbroken said:
Talking about the scratches at 3:00? If so, they don't appear to have been applied at the same time. Just so happened to be in the same areas. Not bad looking for an expensive coin for an album. JMO
Jim

Jim, it looks to me like the two scratches align almost exactly (obverse and reverse) so I would guess that they occurred at the same time. Not that it really matters.

I think you are right, Dwayne. My bad. Now I'm wondering what caused them. lol
Jim

logger7

I trust the graders and the finalizer, they know far more about the business and hobby than I do.

Dave99B

IMO, PCGS gets a little liberal on better dates.

Dave

Cougar1978

CPG MV $130 for it. But pass on it both its price of $150 / make offer (how far down would he come) and cut on rt reverse (have real prob there) Just not the quality fill the hole.

lkenefic

Like @Tramp and @jesbroken said, if it bothers you now it will continue to bother you once it's in the album. If you're cracking it to put into an album, theres no guarantee that it will straight grade a second time around if you decide to resubmit and sell on down the road. That said, my main area of collecting is Early Copper and it's a constant balancing act between affordability and degree of damage and/or wear...

ricko

I would like to see that coin in hand... Strange marks and looks like made at the same time... Straight graded makes me wonder.... Normally, I would pass, but on this one, close examination could reveal something further. So it is a definite maybe.... Cheers, RickO