A tale of two different 1832 Capped Bust Half Dimes. How would you rate them and grade them? Also wh

oreville

How would rate and grade this first one? Why?



How would you rate and grade this second one? Why?

coinguy1

I am quite familiar with the first coin, so I wont reveal the grade. I will, however, say that it is more lustrous and vibrant in person.

Trying to put aside what I know about the top coin and judge both pieces from the images.......

Coin #1: I like the color a lot, see no obvious marks, think the strike is fine, despite a trace of the often-seen weakness at the eagle's upper right (to viewer's left) wing, and see just a few areas of ever-so-slightly splotchy/uneven toning.

Coin #2: I'm guessing from the image that it has plenty of luster, the toning looks nice and original (though not as attractive as on the first coin), the strike is excellent, and I see what looks to be a slight amount of "cabinet friction" or perhaps slight contact on a few areas of Liberty's cheek. I don't mean wear, just a reason to downgrade it a point or so.

There is an area in front of Liberty's mouth and throat which someone could mistake for remnants of a finger print. However, having studied and collected Capped Bust Half Dimes in the past, I would bet big bucks that is merely a slight difference in the finish/texture of the surface of the coin, as made - Capped Bust Half Dimes often display a shiny surface (as well as evidence of clashed dies) in that area.

Two exceptional coins!

CaptainRon

I have no idea on the grades. I love both examples, though the coloring more on the first, and the strike on the second.
I'd love to own either one, very nice.

Does the second one show more red/orange in person?

Ron

oreville

CaptainRon: Regarding the second coin; the obverse does shows more of a rust red mixed in with greens coloration. The reverse shows lots of green toning. The devices are frosty while the fields do show much more brilliancy than is evident in the pics.

BigMoose

Coin #1-- not quite fully struck but beautiful luster and color and it appears mark free. I am guessing NGC 67.

Coin#2-- fully struck, perhaps a little chatter on the cheek, color not as nice as coin #1, hard to tell how good the luster is. I would guess PCGS 65.

rhedden

I like the first coin a lot better, and I'd guess that it's in a 66 holder. The second one I'd say is a 65.

oreville

Any more thoughts?

lordmarcovan

Love the first one, like the second.

Grades? I dunno. At least 65, I'd imagine.

DennisH

I couldn't grade these coins if you showed me the holder as a clue, but here goes...

I much prefer the look of the first coin. My little voice keeps whispering, "It that a 58?"

The second coin looks original as all get-out, the toning could be hiding anything, and I'm going to guess MS63.

tradedollarnut

67 and 65

Edited to add why:

67 on the first one because there are no discernable hits, the eye appeal is outstanding and the luster swirls are apparent even in the photo.

65 on the second one because, while the eye appeal is positive and there are no discernable hits, the luster is not as apparent and the toning give the impression that it's not complete and somewhat impaired in places.

Bustman

66 & 65.
I will also be the first to go on record and say l prefer the original look of the 2nd one better. It looks like a "Joe O'Connor" type coin to me.
Of course, this is all based only seeing pictures.

Louis

65 and 66

While you're at it, guess the grade on this one.

Wekar

I'm still too newbie to grade circulated coins decently, much less trying to grade (near) mint state. So, I'll enter my guesses as #1 65, #2 64. I'll take coin #2 over #1 any day of the week, for me Strike is the #1 component of eye appeal, and while I may be alone here, I prefer the color on #2.

ms700

Great surfaces/ok strike =67 for coin#1, great strike/perfect fields with 2-3 tiny bag marks for coin#2 =67.

tsacch

I say they are both darn nice coins......and would rather not give an opinion unless seen in person regarding grades. I like the look of the first one better...T
om

roadrunner

The strike on the first coin is a touch weaker. The 2nd coin has the slight color break on the cheek. I don't see the coins as more than 1/2 to 1 pt different. Without seeing the first coin in person it is impossible to tell if the swirl in the fields that show a different color are luster breaks or just the camera angle reflection. The color on the first coin is more attractive though it seems lately that anything but monster color or pure white is a negative with small silver coins.

I believe I know the grades on both coins so will refrain from comment.

roadrunner

oreville

Ok here is the answer.

The two coins are one grade apart with the first coin grading PCGS MS-68 and the second PCGS MS-67.

I have seen them both and the first one has pretty toning and wonderful luster. I was not as enamored with the strike but I have observed allowances for slightly weaker strikes for early US coins. The fields and devices are flawless, meaning free from any discernable bag marks which is incredible for U.S. bust coinage. I had felt that this coin was a very high end MS-67 but did not think it would have made MS-68.

The second coin also has an incredible strike wonderful luster and the devices have a frosty finish with with rust red and green colored toning. The luster is not apparent in these pics but is there indeed. The "marks" on the cheek are due to toning color differences, not luster breaks. There are 3 small bag marks between both sides in the devices consistent with the grade. Absolutely no bag marks or imperfections in the fields. I felt that this coin was a mid range MS-67.

The first coin was from the Lull collection and sold for just over $40,000 at the FUN show. It is a pop 1 coin. I had in fact, preferred the look of the second coin and in fact, decided to purchase it at 25% of the cost of the first coin. It is a pop 6 coin (probably 3 or 4 in reality).


Bustman was very alert in noticing that this was a Joe O'Connor "kind of coin" as indeed it was purchased from him. Thanks, Joe.

Coinguy1 as usual pinned down the attributes of both coins quite quickly and accurately.

All in all, I think you guys and gals did quite well given the limitations of the pictures !!!!

JrGMan2004

AU58, and MS64 respectively... I like both coins, but the first appeals to me more... looks like a touch of rub, though I would not be surprised to find this coin in an UNC holder, and even still, I think I would need an in hand inspection to be sure... both are the same die marriage, an R.3... so, rarity doesn't factor in on the decision between the 2...

JrGMan2004

Whoa... I was way off... But then... I don't even touch the Unc Baby Busties...

Bustman

Bustman was very alert in noticing that this was a Joe O'Connor "kind of coin" as indeed it was purchased from him. Thanks, Joe.

Coinguy1 as usual pinned down the attributes of both coins quite quickly and accurately.

All in all, I think you guys and gals did quite well given the limitations of the pictures !!!! >>




I think I was the only one to say I prefer the look of the second one.....so can I have it?

oreville

bustman: Good try but Wekar and Louis also won!!!