I fell into a coin collection: 1830 Large 0 date 50 cent piece
steve_010
Posts: 5 ✭
Long story short, I was given a collection of mostly foreign coins because I think it's fun to collect different countries.
This 1830 Large 0 date 50 cent piece with nice toning was hiding in there. I can't believe how good the condition is. It was just sitting in a box with other coins. And how about that toning? It's beautiful.
So, any thoughts on grade and value? Should I send it in to get graded? Thanks in advance.
3
Comments
Nice high grade coin, at least an au55, but I think it's been lightly polished.
It may just be the lighting that gives me that impression, but I think many moons ago, the coin has been cleaned (polished) and then re-toned.
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Welcome to the board, nice first post.
I also think something funky is going on with the coin's surfaces. I think at least cleaned, maybe whizzed. Will be curious about others' opinions.
Post some of your world coins over in the world forum.
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Nice coin, lots of problems on its surfaces. Keep it raw.
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First impression was that it had been polished and retoned . Would most likely receive a details grade. Leave it raw.
As many others have said, it's nice for what it is, but it has some surface issues and the toning is not natural.
As for grading, I don't think you will be terribly happy with the results, so I would suggest you save the time and money.
Still, it has AU55 details and if you are interested, it is the O-123 Die Marriage where the "O" is for Overton (Al C. Overton, who wrote the book Early Half Dollar Die Varieties). This is one of four Die Marriages for 1830 that have the "Large O" obverse.
“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
I would keep it as is. But what a great find - congrats!
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It has the appearance of a polished coin that sat in one of those mass marketed type set wall hangings with the reverse covered by cardboard.
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Definitely appreciate the replies. I'm not too skilled at grading but definitely see some things you guys are talking about. A little bit of a buzz kill. I thought I had an $800 coin when I first looked it up. Still, It's a nice add to my collection, especially since it was free.
It looks like it's been artificially toned to try to disguise the polishing.
I would value it around $250. That’s nothing to sneeze at!
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
Maybe.
Polished Bust Halves are tough to move period. 1821-39 even more so.
On eBay you'd be hard pressed for get $150 for this coin.
Honestly this is a $100 coin at best.
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I’ve owned several cleaned mid AU coins and ~$250 was typically around what I got for them.
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
Not really my place to say, but there is a LOT of meat on that coin, and the "polishing", if that's what you want to call it, is not nearly as bad as some of the crap I've seen on ebay, and occasionally in straight holders. I think the image focus on the reverse is probably not helping what we are all seeing either.
$100. seems fire sale / give away pricing, even if $250. might be a little optimistic. But @Pnies20 has a better grip on that area than a LOT of guys I know.
“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
“Polished” would trade at a much larger discount than merely “improperly cleaned”. It still has eye appeal with some strong details though.
Can you retake the photo with a little less light and it being a little more on an angle please, might make a difference. I just cannot understand the coin just yet
Nice looking coin w lots of meat on it. The picture lends itself to being cleaned, washed or possibly polished. Looks nice!
Great attitude and a nice find in the wild! Most coins have been messed with but that doesn't mean this coin couldn't lead you to become interested in bust halves.
There are a lot of folks here that know this series well - Easton and pnies are a couple. drddm and JBN are two others that come to mind.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
Yep. I'll try to get a couple better/different pictures tonight.
I'm not a professional so hopefully these pics provide the info needed.
Those pics sure make the coin look less likely to be cleaned. Still a nice CBH with pleasing toning even if it has been tampered with.