Thoughts on this Draped Bust Half...

lkenefic

Hello Everyone... not my coin but I'm considering it. Please let me know your opinions... I'm looking for one to fill the hole in my Box of 20... It's sort of a supplemental Type Set...

johnny9434

i like the looks of it with decent fields on it. any chance of it being a 30 or 35 by chance?

LanLord

The little dig in the top of the shield would both me, but otherwise, that's a nice looking coin.

Catbert

It doesn't really matter what I think since it's your collection based upon what you like.

For me, it is not at a Box of 20 quality level in terms of detail and marks. I don't know the grade, but I think you could wait for a better example.

Separately, I sense that you are hesitant by asking us? I would hope that a coin for this purpose would grab you emotionally and you'd know it's right for you.

Manifest_Destiny

Looks like a nice original coin.

ShaunBC5

I like it. I don’t know where it fits in your box of 20 but there’s nothing I see that would keep me from being proud to own it.

BillJones

It's okay if it fits your budget. My grade would fall in the Fine-15 to VF-20 area, but given today's standards, that might be low.

If you are looking for the type, be advised that the Draped Bust, Large Eagle Half Dollar is the most common Draped Bust coin type. The 1805 is a little scarcer and more sharply struck that many 1806 and '07 examples.

One way to learn to grade coins is to see an high grade example. That will give you an idea as to what is missing because of wear. This was graded AU-50 in the mid 1970s. It's in an AU-58 holder now. It has a lot of mint luster.

Nysoto

It comes down to if you like the coin or not, it has a nice natural look to me. The coin has some striking weakness in the central obverse and reverse stars, if that matters to you. However, no draped bust half dollar comes fully struck in all areas.

The 1801 to early 1805 DBH's (OP is late 1805) have a different hub that has slightly higher relief and defined hair detail. I don't have my early 1805's imaged, but here is an 1801 XF45 with the earlier hub, it also has some reverse star weakness:

VanHalen

I'd wait for a better example. The softness of the strike would bother me.

msch1man

If you're posting it on here prior to buying it, you're likely trying to talk yourself into buying it (or more accurately have others re-assure you and talk you into it)...if this is remotely the case...I'd pass.

lkenefic

Thanks everyone... the coin is in F12 plastic with a TV. I thought it was undergraded for what it is. I'm keeping tabs on the auction but I'll likely keep looking... Baltimore-Whitman Coin Expo is just around the corner...

Walkerfan

Not enough detail for me. I would need a better higher grade example.

Meltdown

I think it's neat but like others have said, I'd like a little more detail if it's a box of 20 keeper. That hit in the reverse shield bugs me too... smack dab in the middle of the focal point.

BigAl

1805 is not a tough date to find a better fit for your box. Perhaps one with some nice rim toning.

Beautiful 1801 Nysoto, love that!

relicsncoins

Here is my example. I've considered cracking it and sending it to our hosts. I've seen much worse scratches straight graded.