Opinions on my 1831 Half-Dime appreciated

JrGMan2004

Just got this off EBay.... am a little disapointed, and a little mad at myself, b/c I bought this from an auction that didn't have a return policy. I took a gamble, hoping it was the look I wanted... the Obverse isn't even close, while the reverse has a good look to it, though it shows more steely grey in the scan than it actually is. It's in an ANACS VF-30 holder. First set is the EBay Auction pics... Second Set is my scans...

airplanenut

You could still ask about a return, if no policy was stated.

That said, I don't think it's terrible, but am I assuming you like the real deep grey on these? That's what I like.

Jeremy

JrGMan2004

Jeremy: It stated in the auction, No Returns... Oh, well... and you're right about color... see my Icon pic... though I think the coin, as long as there's no problems I don't see, might grade a VF35... but I might be wrong... just looks like there's not enough wear on the wings to be a VF30... but maybe it's wear on the bust that brings it down...

LucyBop

I like it!

JrGMan2004

Hey Lucy, you wanna see it in person?

Donovan

I don't see what the problem is. It looks like a nice original coin to me. Thye grade seems correct also. The lower curls are a little weakly struck, but not bad and if it wasn't for that, wear-wise it's probably an XF-40.

lathmach

Ok George. You attribute the variety for us now that you have the Logan-McCloskey book.

Ray

mgoodm3

Nice looking half dime. There are a lot of crappy looking ones out there. I'd say that you did OK.

JrGMan2004

It's an LM-1... not entirely sure on which marriage/remarriage it was, but I'm leaning towards LM-1.1 b/c there doesn't appear to be any of the die deteriation that is described in the book. The Upper Loops of S1 and S2 are not filled, and the area inside the left Upright and Diagonal of the M is not filled. Oh, and it's an R-1

jdimmick

I like the half dime also, I not sure what you paid, but the coin looks good to me. As mentioned, a little striking weakness on the lower portion of the design, but Graded correctly IMO.

JrGMan2004

The Obv color is just a little off from what I was hoping for... kinda like expecting a wonderful rainbow toned Morgan... and ending up with a dark colored toning... compare the above pictures to my Icon... my Icon is the color I'm looking for...

CoinAddict

I like the coin, George. From your pics it looks like a very nice original coin. Here is one that is probably what you are looking for.

lordmarcovan

Looks good to me. If I saw the obverse alone, I probably would not have graded it VF30, but strike's probably an issue with the flatness of the hair details. The eagle on the reverse, on the other hand, looks great and has at least EF detail, from what I can see.

Overall, I like the coin. If you decide you don't like it, I would cheerfully swap you some of the stuff we previously discussed for it.

JrGMan2004

<< <i>I like the coin, George. From your pics it looks like a very nice original coin. Here is one that is probably what you are looking for. >>



I've been watching his auctions, though that one just got listed... btw, he's the one I bought this one from

ealandg

I like it, too. It has a nice color, IMHO. I've recently devloped an intererest in these guys myself and I have seen tons that have ugly toning. I think it is a nice one. Stop picking on it!

Conder101

I like the coin. If it wasn't slabbed I'd have been interested in that coin.

Dennis88

JrGMan2004

Anyone have any idea if Capital Plastics will do a custom holder that will fit the half-dimes? I searched their site, but they have nothing for half-dimes...

Conder101

Yes, they will. In fact I saw a date set of them in a custom Capital Plastics holder at the Marion IN show last weekend.

JadeRareCoin

George, I like the coin that you won. It looks nice. Regarding the Capital Plastics holder, if you are bent on doing it for display purposes, then go ahead, but I do not like Capital Plastics holders for coin storage. They are okay...........IF.......IF it is properly fitted and assembled. I have seen too many that were done done correctly and have led to damage to the coins within. Worst one that I saw was a custom Capital Plastics holder for a guys set of proof Lib Nickels. Half of the coins rattled inside (not good, not good at all) and the other half of the coins were forced into holes that were too small. When the 3 pieces were screwed together. The hard plastic was pressed firmly against the proof V-Nickels (also not good at all). Made my stomach turn.

Summary: 1) NICE coin (keep it) and 2) re-think the Capital Plastics idea (or make sure it's done correctly)

JrGMan2004

Hmmm... I'd go with the Dansco Album... but it's Flowing Hair through Seated Lib... that's A LOT of empty holes... Anyone have any suggestions?

dorkkarl

nice coin for the grade, imo.

K S

291fifth

The coin looks OK for the grade. The fact that it is already slabbed is a plus. Why would you want to return this? Buyers who return coins like this often end up on the blocked bidders list since they are viewed as overly picky, problem bidders.

BillJones

I think that the coin is perfectly OK for the grade, George.

Comparing to the piece that I sold to you is not really fair. That piece was well struck for the type, and the color was unusually nice. Most early silver coins don't look like that, and many Bust half dimes are weakly struck because of die failures and light strikes. Remember that most of these coins until the end of the series in 1837 or '38 were struck on hand operated presses not steam presses.

You can try to get all of your coins with the same "look," but I'll warn you, it can be a very tedious process. I think it's best to buy nice coins for the grade and leave the "matched sets" to those who are perhaps a bit too obcessed.

dorkkarl

in that i don't quite agree. i happen to try to match coins in my sets. for example, i have 3 concurrent sets of washingtons i work on, a gem-unc set, a xf set, & a full-rim vg/f set. in each, i try to match coins for appearance.

of course it's tougher on earlier sets, but even w/ my seated halves, i strive for matched coins, which in my case is f/vf w/ normal silver-grey tone.

K S

BillJones

If you try to match colors on copper coins, you are only fooling yourself. Those who collect Indian and Lincon cents know that each period and in some cases each year have their own color characteristics. If you see a matched set of Indian or Lincoln cents with respect to color you are looking at an AT set.

With silver coinage it's a bit easier to match the colors. Still AU and Mint State Mercury dimes and Walkers that were minted in the 'teens will look different from coins in the '30s and '40s.

dorkkarl

copper, that's true. of course, i don't really collect "sets" of copper coins, too difficult! except i do have a set of lincolns.

otoh, i still do try & match up my copper type sets. for example, a chocolate brown half-cent looks ridiculous next to a blazing red randall coin in a type set.

K S

JadeRareCoin

I heard that all of the coins DorkKarl's collection match in color. I also noticed that he is always bidding on spray paint on eBay. Coincidence?

UncleJoe

I bought this from an auction that didn't have a return policy.

I think the above is a little mistated or will lead to miscommunication. The auction DOES have a return policy: What you see is what you will get. All sales final-no returns.

It is a nice looking coin.

Joe.

aem4162

i think it's beautiful