Advice on CSA half dollar
may
Posts: 1,590 ✭✭✭✭✭
Today I went to a coin shop, and a 1861 O half dollar caught my eye. It was in a PCGS AG details holder, because of some old scratches on the back, but other than that very original.
More importantly, I spotted the telltale die crack that runs from the nose to the rim (WB 11). Im unsure if I should get it though, I can’t really find any prices for ones like it. Do you guys have any advice? It costs about $150.
I know the crack is hard to see in the truview, but it is very obvious in hand.
Type collector, mainly into Seated. -formerly Ownerofawheatiehorde. Good BST transactions with: mirabela, OKCC, MICHAELDIXON, Gerard
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Comments
if you can find a problem free one, forget that one
What Crack?
In my experience (and I have one), it's not very hard to "find" one that's problem-free. The problem arises when one is expected to pay for it.
If OP is charmed with the history of the coin (I am, so it's easy to understand), and if he's convinced that it's a W-11 (I'm not), and if he's happy with a damaged, well-worn copy, it's a perfectly reasonable coin to purchase at that price, IMO.
What I take to be the crack in the images the OP supplied appears to be just a tad too close to star 13, in my opinion. However, it is mighty tough to gauge from the image.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Unless you have a big interest in the Confederate aspect of this piece, I would pass. The price seems high for what it is. I would not view this as cherry pick opportunity. You can get much nicer 1861-O half dollars for not much more money,.
As for the die crack, the line I always hear was PROBABLY struck by the Confederacy. That’s interesting, but I’m happy to have an 1861-O half dollars that was struck in the year the Confederate Government seized the New Orleans Mint.
I don't have any advice on the piece you're asking about, buy here's my low grade 1861-O CSA Half.
Thanks guys.
Type collector, mainly into Seated. -formerly Ownerofawheatiehorde. Good BST transactions with: mirabela, OKCC, MICHAELDIXON, Gerard
The TrueView for mine doesn't do it any favors, but it highlights the crack fairly well. I purchased my example unattributed raw off of ebay for cheap so I can't complain. I think a lot of folks are looking for this easy to spot crack now, so finding one as a cherry pick like this might be rarer than the coin itself. I have been able to cherry this variety, the 1847/6, 1849 dramatic double date, 1839 no drapery as a with drapery, and 1840-(O) reverse of 38, but have yet to find a 73 no arrows open 3. Good luck, they are out there.
Seated Dollar Collection
Unless it is attributed as the variety, I don't see the PUP. I would Pass on this one.
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