1842 half dime strike? *worthless scans added*

berylcoin

Were these coins known for having a partiularly weak or strong strike? I have one that has VF30-EF40+ details but appears to have AU luster, especially on the obverse. I'm curious if the level of detail is due to a common weak strike or if this date is generally well struck. This coin seems weaker on the reverse, in the wreath. I'll post images if I can make a decent scan. Thanks for any response.

BC

lazeroo

hi!

most of the one's in my collection have weak strikes. I will say there are some dates that have very sharp strikes also.

the book the complete guide to liberty seated half dimes.

buy AL BLYTHE is the book to buy.

berylcoin

Thanks Rob. What's the price for the Blythe book? Is it book still in print?

Here are scans of the coin, but they're not my best work, and my work isn't the best to begin with. They show none of the luster, dull-out the bright sea-green shades in the toning, and generally look like crap. But they're the best I've got, so...

Obverse
Reverse

BC

berylcoin

Anyone else want to chime in?

toyonakataro

Hi
According to the book "the complete guide to liberty seated half dimes", 1842 comes well struck with nice luster in general.
You can get the book at Stanton, but if you want to get one cheaper, you should search eBay. I was told by several members that the book is not up-to-date, but still a good book.
Your half dime looks EF45 to me, but I'm not an expert. I like it anyway

BigD5

That coin has quite a bit more detail than vf/30!! It looks au+ to me from the scan. All the details seem sharp, with rub at the high points only (breast and right leg). Nice coin.

berylcoin

Thanks to all who've responded. I too, like the coin--very much. It's probably in my top three favorites in my humble type collection.

I thought the obverse had EF40+ details but the reverse seems flat (essentially no ribs on leaves, etc.) compared to other dates I've looked at with equivalent obverses. That is what seemed odd. Perhaps I should have made that more clear.

Maybe a better question would be: Is this level of reverse detail the norm for EF+ stars half dimes or is this coin a little weak in that area? And how much, if any, should that effect the assigned grade?

BC