1871S Half Dime MS-60? Opinions?

its4real

Hi,
I'm new to this and was wanting a second opinion on this coinc I just purchased. Did I get taken? One of the guides I have says it could be worth around $270...??!!?? Well? You guys are the experts - what do you think?
Thanks in advance
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1374849952

kieferscoins

Link

Cameron Kiefer

kieferscoins

PCGS price guide:

MS-60 - $130.00

MS-63 - $210.00

It is on the high side for a slider coin that may not be a true MS. I would have asked for a picture before bidding on this ANACS coin.

Cameron Kiefer

darktone

I hope you have seen a picture of this coin before you bought it because a coin graded MS60 might not be the prettiest coin but you never know it might turn out to be a really nice coin. mike

its4real

Sorry - don't mean to sound daft but - what is a "slider" coin?

its4real

How do I post a picture here? I have one.

kieferscoins

Slider is an AU-58 coin that just barely makes the MS grade. In a way, it slides up. PCGS may grade it AU-58, but ANACS says MS-60, so it may be submitted to ANACS to get the higher grade.

Cameorn Kiefer

Placid

The pcgs guide prices are out of date.
I don't like buying a coin without a picture myself even in a slab.
Guess you will get either a good or bad surprise when it arrives.

kieferscoins

I know the PCGS guide is out of date (but I had no other guide with me at the time), but this grade and series has not changed that much.

Here is a short slider thread

Cameron Kiefer

its4real

its4real

woops - wrong half dime - but I own this one too

Placid

Let me put it another way. You paid about $2.50 more than someone else was willing to pay for it.
If you like it then you didn't pay too much.

its4real

Well - stupid me - I thought the guy had a picture when I bid on it...or maybe he didn't and I just went for it because of what the book said. Anyway - as a wise man once said .."you ALWAYS learn from the expensive lessons..."
Thanks,
Mike

darktone

Mike show us a picture when you get it. mike

lathmach

The PCGS daily price guide lists this at $295 in MS60, $455 in MS63.
The prices listed by Kieferscoins is incorrect.
The question becomes whether this will cross at PCGS as a MS60.
If it does, then indeed, you have done well.
Now, that said, strictly from a collection standpoint you should shy away from MS60 coins. They always have something wrong with them. Generally a lot of marks, dirty toning, or both. An AU58 is a much better choice as they are normally MS63 coins that have a little rub but no real wear. They are most times cheaper as well.

Ray

Edited to add:
By the way, welcome to the forums. Go to your profile and turn on your PM.

roadrunner

I think the CDN price of $195 for MS60 is more in line with the coin's value ($175-225). It lists for a double common date premium but the 71-s is pretty available, especially in scrubbed AU to Unc. This is the case for a lot of the "S" mints of this era. Some ANACS 60 coins are darn near 63's, others will bark at the moon. Original AU's with color are better values than scrubbed up UNC's.

roadrunner

BigD5

Greysheet bid in ms/60 is approx. $190, so you didn't get killed with the coin. I would be a little, or maybe more than a little, worried about the eye appeal of an ms/60 coin, no matter what service slabbed the coin. Good luck with it.

dorkkarl

<< <i>PCGS may grade it AU-58, but ANACS says MS-60 >>

or vice versa.

K S

Trime

its4real,
SLHD are wonderful coins to collect. They are great fun because of all the varieties that exist and die states that exist. These coins bring out the true numismatist who takes a coin and studies it; reads Valentine or Blyth to see the different varieties. If you are really having fun join the Sitting Liberty Collectors Club ( Best $15 investment anyone can make) and read the articles in the Gobrecht Journal about your coin. You will learn from the latter journal that there are collectors that get more excitement from a circulated coin from a newly described set of dies than from the debate whether PCGS scxrewed you on a MS 63 vs 64.
Now to your question.
We all have succumbed to buying coins from scans and sometimes being disappointed (and occassionally pleased) when the coin arrives. Buying coins without even a pic is playing roulette. Don't do it unless you know and trust the seller (alot).
I agree with Roadrunner ( and others) about MS 60 vs AU 55-58. As said, MS 60s are usually problem coins with lots of marks and other defects. AU 58 from a PCGS or NGC can be much better value and more attractive coins.
Let's hope this is a pleasing coin that brings lots of smiles. Let us know how you feel when it arrives. The price is fine if you are proud of the addition to your collection. Not all coins for all collectors need be MS gems of rare dates.