Need Grading Opinion on Barber Half..

aussielover

Good evening folks!

Here's a split grade Barber Half.. What would you grade as overall?

Thanks,
Brian

coinkat

This one is not easy... I think it is close to VF20, but I am more inclined to say F15. though call

100proof1957

F12

BigD5

That's a vf. LIBERTY is full, and the overall detail is quite sharp. The reverse is a bit weaker, but that's how most of these come.

Looks like a nice coin.

nwcs

VF

ccex

VF-20 (although this coin might bring more than the $70 Graysheet bid, since it looks original). The reverse is much better, unlike the typical lower grade Barber halves. Too many people grade Barbers on LIBERTY alone. Because of this, lots of people buy overgraded 1909 halves, which always have a stronger than usual LIBERTY. Check out the reverse detail (even though the obverse is more important in determining the single number for both sides).

JrGMan2004

<< <i>That's a vf. LIBERTY is full, and the overall detail is quite sharp. The reverse is a bit weaker, but that's how most of these come.

Looks like a nice coin. >>

I don't think LIBERTY is full, unless this is the rare LIBFRTY variety. The bottom leg of the E is worn away... I'm no expert, but with a piece of a letter missing, I would not call it "Full" And I would grade this F15, but that's just my opinion, and I am by no means an Expert of Barbers.

jdimmick

I would say it would get Vf-20

robertpr

F12

I agree, Liberty is not full. Even so, it is a borderline coin. When in doubt, stay conservative with your grade and you'll do OK.

elwood

Would slab: VF-30

It might not slab-don't know what goin on with the rims?

Cratylus

Speaking as one of the resident Barber Half Experts, this is a definite VF20. CCEX is correct in that too many people grade these coins based solely on LIBERTY. That is just nonsense. In order to grade a coin accurately, you have to look at the details of the entire coin. He accurately mentions the hub difference on the 1909 Half which causes LIBERTY to remain full and bold even on coins with only F12 details otherwise. In addition to what CCEX said, another classic wear pattern on pre-1903 "S" mint Barber Halves is more wear on the bottom part of LIBERTY than the rest of the details of the coin would indicate. I've seen some VF35 examples that are missing the entire left leg of the R. I've seen other VF30-35 examples that are missing part of the B or E. Since this is an 1894-S, that wear pattern must be taken into consideration.

Even though the bottom serif of the B is weak and the bottom serif of the E is partially missing, the remaining laurel wreath detail is indicative of a VF25. Unfortunately, the obverse denticles look a little more worn than what is normally seen on VF20 examples so that will subtract a little bit. The reverse... the wing wear pattern is indicative of a classic VF25. The left wing contains major detail out to the edge on 3 of the 5 feathers while the right wing contains detail out to the edge on 1 feather (almost 2 feathers). The major part in the eagle's neck feathers is still visible with a few of the minor parts also visible (another VF25-30 indication). The reverse is really just a faint breath away from a VF30. Taking everything into consideration, this Half will easily grade a strong VF20 and will probably make a VF25 grade.

MFH

Brian,

I agree with Cary, its a strong VF 20, almost VF 25.

Mike

nccoin

This coin would grade F15 because the BER are all weak, not fully visible.

aussielover

Thanks for your input gang.

I know the split grades continues to be controversial, well at least in this series but I tend to stay on the conservative side and am leaning towards F18+ . The scan came out just about right, in person, the coin is very original with nice toning.

Brian

291fifth

F15. You can be sure that when you go to sell it the dealer will not call it a VF.

ARCO

Overall the coin does have VF details despite not technically having a complete LIBERTY. I would pay VF money for a coin with those details, but would probably list it as a F18 if I were selling it on Ebay and let the bidders decide.

Here is a PCGS VF35 that I bought from Steve Estes (which he undergraded). LIBERTY is almost missing on the lower portions of "BER", but the reverse wing feather detail is approaching XF.

1892-S PCGS VF35


Like Cary and others have said, it pays to look at overall details when grading the halves, both to avoid overpaying, and to pick up undergraded coins.

Tyler

BigGreek

F-15

ms70

I'd go with 25. Are you sending it in?

lordmarcovan

F15. Really close to VF20.

mr1931S

I think its very fine. If I owned it and was trying to sell that's what I'd call it.

RBB617

I'm with the VF20 crowd. The Liberty is full enough for the grade.
Brian

aussielover

Wow what a difference in opinions!
Is this unusual or common split grade for this date?

Thanks for all your help.

Brian

oldcameoproofsguy

It looks VF to me. I feel that the sharpness of the lines in the shield is one of the best indicators.

That is a very nice coin and a nice crisp image as well!

lordmarcovan

PS- though I said F15, I might try to sell it as a VF if it were mine. I think it's close enough. Nice coin.