1801 half dollar

Baley

Here's a rare coin in any grade, the 1801 half dollar:





This is an Overton 101, easily attributed by the die lumps above the arrowheads.

What do you think PCGS would grade this coin (or, if you don't think it would "holder", pray tell why?)

nwcs

My guess is that they would grade it and it'd go G or G6.

RYK

Yes, it would grade. PCGS VG-8.

kieferscoins

VG-08.

Cameron Kiefer

Myqqy

I also think it looks like a very attractive vg......

MrEureka

The color and mushiness makes it look like it's probably repaired.

kamehameha00

VG-8 seems a bit high in my opinion, I think it will grade G-6 but may grade higher for its rarity.

DHeath

Left lower obverse hole plugged?

tmot99

<< <i>Left lower obverse hole plugged? >>



No, a removed "S" mint mark.

wam98

Very nice Baley.

Baley

thanks guys, I tend to agree that it's Good+ to VG-, maybe possibly VG8 on a good day, I think that the "mushiness" in many areas, particularly the reverse stars, is characteristic of the issue (my other 1801 half, as well as Overton's plate coin, are weak there, too). I do not see evidence of any repairs, nor any evidence of cleaning and retoning, this looks like an original coin to me, if it has been worked on then it is a very expert job. I do think it would holder at PCGS, but probably not at VG, but do think it has a good chance of "crossing" at G6, and would go G4 at a minimum. Here's the current encapulation:



I believe this is the "old green holder" for PCI and cannot disagree with their grade for this piece.

Here's another one for comparison, this coin has more detail, but appears to be from a later die state. And, of course, there are a few "hairlines" on both sides which would of course keep it out of a PCGS holder





Opinions on this one's grade? Which do you prefer,
the higher grade "problem" coin or the lower grade "problem-free" coin?

kranky

I prefer the non-scratched piece.

DHeath

Baley, sorry.

On the original coin, I saw what appears to be a circle at the center of the area I marked. It must be an artifact.

JrGMan2004

I think BB for an Old Cleaning, though it might squeak by... I'd have to say Fine Details, Net VG8...

Baley

hey, no sorries needed, we calls em like we sees em!

Here's another pic of that area:



there are a couple of contact marks there and in the lower right that might appear to be the edges of plugs, because they form a (very) rough circle, but there are no corresponding marks on the reverse of the coin, in the eagle's wing feathers.

DHeath

Baley, thanks for the extra pics. It's amazing what one CAN'T see in a digital pic. It looks like a nice coin.

Baley

It looks like a nice coin

Thanks, Don, it ain't the highest grade but it fits in well with my 1803s:



I'm still looking for the same or similar in an 1802. Man, that's an even tougher coin than this one.