Bust Half Grading

EvilMCT

I picked this up over a year ago, and decided to try and get some other opinions. I guess this is where I need to make the obligatory "coin looks much better in person-scanners suck" statement. The thing that I'm most interested in is the reverse motto. The "Plur" from E Pluribus Unum looks to be from a weak strike versus wear; is this a common problem with this series? Thanks for any help.




Ken

Placid

45.

airplanenut

That's a beautiful coin! XF-45.

Regarding the E PLURIBUS UNUM: There are two main components of a weak strike--there is a high point where the design element is, or there is a high point on the other side of the coin. Remember that those letters are opposite the bust, which is one of the coin's high points, which makes it prone to weak strikes. I agree that it looks like a weak strike there.

Here's an overlay of your coin (notice the rub on the breast right across from EPB. Also, notice that the hair is across from the shield, and is another area of weakness):



Jeremy

Baley

excellent answer, Jeremy!

edited to add, weakly struck portions of the design don't really affect the grade too much, unless severe.

they might affect the price though, or the "readily saleability" of the piece: most prefer complete legends in a VF or higher coin.

OKbustchaser

EF-40....and actually a fairly-well struck coin for this die marriage.

JimP

coinlieutenant

Cool work Jeremy...

airplanenut

To add to what Baley said: Weak strikes, unless severe, don't really affect circulated grades. In the mint state grades, however, they can be a very limiting factor. For example, a buffalo with a weak/flat braid, will likely not grade over MS63, even if it would be a MS66/67 if fully struck.

Jeremy

jdimmick

I like it as an xf-40

LanLord

I second the Kudos for Jeremy, awsome answer and photo overlay to make your point.

PreTurb

I'll say VF30-35

Blackhawk

I think that the bust halfs are one of those that are graded all over the board. A good rule of thumb - If you own it-AU, if it's someone elses-VF.

EvilMCT

Thanks for the answers everyone and nice work Jeremy; you helped confirm my guess. I'm not usually the type to buy on an impulse, but I loved the look of this coin and took a chance. It is one of the few raw eBay coins that I've purchased without knowing the seller first.

Ken

dorkkarl

do NOT base your grade on the strength of the rev. motto. weakness like that is very common. i'd grade your coin xf details cleaned to vf-30

K S