Would you have bought this Half?

InYHWHWeTrust

TomB's recent thread about the various stages or degrees of 'choosiness' made me immediatly think about this coin. I was pretty excited when I found this at the annual coin club show earlier this month (but before started looking at Tom's and Tyler's coins) and reading others' turn offs. The rim nick up top and bump about 3o'clock, got my attention enough to gently-sideways question the dealer's price -- $25 over greysheet VF-- but not enough to completely pass it by a VF + uncleaned, original color. It was the single raw midgrade half I saw all weekend that had any originality to it or no major gashes, among 40 tables and over 2 1/2 hrs of searching. He did come down to $85.00 and l left happy at the time. It is not the cream of the crop by any means, as you can see. In the album you can still see the nick, but the bump is fairly well hidden. So for this common date, I'm betting many would have passed, any takers?







Don S

jdimmick

I personally would have passed it by regardless of price, just to much rim action for me. I even probably would have passed if it were the 04-s.

jim

DorkGirl

That tiny little ding wouldn't bother me a bit. It's a great coin

TommyType

I think the quest for a "Perfect" VF, F, VG, etc. is a fools quest! These coins circulated, so you HAVE to expect some imperfections, even beyond basic wear.

That coin look A-OK to me!

PerryHall

I think these minor rim nicks / bumps are insignificant for a coin in a circulated grade. People who worry about trivial blemishes such as these should collect moderns in MS 69 or 70.

numisanity

I agree with Tommy.

It's a circulated coin.. 107 years old for goodness sakes. Looks good to me!

Weiss

Yep, that's fine. Wouldn't want it on an AU or UNC coin. But circulated means circulated. It's all good.

Bear

While I dont like rim dings, I believe those on the coin are

hardly worth noting. Overall the coins is lovely and PQ for the grade.

You always have to pay over Gray Sheet Ask for the nice coins, expecially

for the VF and above. You did good, its a beautiful coin and one I would buy myself.

ARCO

The coin looks very nice and original. I can live with certain types of rim nicks. Small nicks and cuts that do not bump the rim up can be fine for me, but if the rim bruise raises the surface up like a big boil then I will ALWAYS pass on the coin, unless it is a very miniscule bump. I know from experience that rim problems often times look much worse in a scan than they do to the naked eye in person, so maybe these aren't so bad in person.

Another good rule for the Barber halves is to seek out nearly perfect (as perfect as circ. coins get) for the more common date coins and to give a little more flexibility for the semi and key date coins.

The rim bump at 3:00 on the obverse and the one on the reverse at 2:00 could be problematic for many collectors. Many of the other ticks do not seem to be an issue for me.

Tyler

UncleJoe

To each their own.

I personally would have passed but that does not mean that it is not a collectible coin.

The fact that you question it leads me to believe that you may want to be a little pickier in the future.

Joe.

291fifth

PASS! Common date coins with damage should be avoided.

mozin

<< <i>PASS! Common date coins with damage should be avoided. >>

Jcarney

I personally cannot stand rim hits or fingerprints. Not necessarily in that order.

numisanity

<< <i>I personally cannot stand rim hits or fingerprints. Not necessarily in that order. >>



For me there's a huge difference between a fingerprint (especially after thick toning) and small rim hits like on this coin

Sure, it would be a lot worse if it was a huge rim hit or if it was on an uncirculated coin..

USCGCraig

I probably would have picked this coin up about 3 1/2 years before I really had time to study circulated Barber Halves. Very nice looking coin for its original look but that rim bump will come back to haunt you down the road. I disagree with jdimmick. I would pick it up if it was any of the toughies in the series, get ANACS to most likely net grade it and hold onto it for awhile. Take it with you everywhere you go so you know what you like.

Myqqy

I would have passed- but it's still a pretty good looking barber......

AuldFartte

I probably would have snagged it, too. Original and un-messed-with catches my eye

InYHWHWeTrust

thanks for all the input!

At least 3 1/2 years behind you Craig , but please don't tell me 3 1/2 years from now I will like XF 45! And thanks again for the Barber data you are keeping, it is very helpful. My realistic goal: VF 20 , currently F-VF, but dreaming for VF30, my new favorite tier. Honestly feels like trying to jump on a moving train that has left the station....almost... But never hurts to have dreams.

Don S

USCGCraig

Don't give up Don. I like VF30 coins as well. You will find that to be a challenge as well. One thing to keep in mind is that there aren't as many halves graded in that range. You know of most of the reasons but another is their past value. Keep a close eye out for clean and/or doctored pieces. You will have a very fine set when you chase is done. I'll keep the data going and will post every 4-6 months if anyone wants an update.

LickThoseStamps

Based on previous threads, wouldn't a TPG bodybag the coin for damage?

barbwire

Very nice coin and original! I think it's a bargain for the money you paid and no loss here. You sell that on the fleabay, I guarantee you that will sell well above what you've paid.

MikeInFL

Said simply, yes...Mike

BlindedByEgo

Agree with Barbwire.

Yep

jdimmick

Looking back through this thread, I see so many folks that would not be bothered by the rim dings and issues. Maybe I was a bit unrealistic, but wait till its time to sell it to a dealer or another collector. The issues you feel that are not that detrimental will become significant especailly in the type of market we are in now. Many people are finally educating themselves on what to buy and what to pass on. A lot of collectors dont get the chance to experience it, becuase they never sell into the market, they only buy. I always considered my self to have a good eye for quality and problem free coins when I was mainly collecting, but once you start to buy/sell, it will give you a whole new perspective on whats sellable at what price and what is not.

Jim d

elwood

The coin has a nice original look but the rim at 3:00 has what appears to be some significant damage??
I personally would have passed. Granted the album will hide some of the rim issues. Like someone else said...if it's a key date in a grade you need or you are on a budget them some small problems can be overlooked. It's not that hard to find original problem free common date Barbers in this grade.
I'd throw it on e-bay, see what happens and look for a better example.

To those who said they would have purchased this coin.

Have you learned anything on this forum????

The only reason you should purchase a coin like this is if it is cheap and you can sell it to make some money.
Most collectors have a real dislike for rim damage.

InYHWHWeTrust

<< <i>Looking back through this thread, I see so many folks that would not be bothered by the rim dings and issues. Maybe I was a bit unrealistic, but wait till its time to sell it to a dealer or another collector. The issues you feel that are not that detrimental will become significant especailly in the type of market we are in now. Many people are finally educating themselves on what to buy and what to pass on. A lot of collectors dont get the chance to experience it, becuase they never sell into the market, they only buy. I always considered my self to have a good eye for quality and problem free coins when I was mainly collecting, but once you start to buy/sell, it will give you a whole new perspective on whats sellable at what price and what is not. Jim d >>



Very good points, indeed. I started out a pure collector, but when I began 'upgrading' as they say, I became a seller, a mini-dealer of sorts. The Golden Rule works both ways, and can be painful, so things I have become aware of /educated about since buying a coin (not referring this specific coin) I should let potential buyers be aware of. The return option is so key. I certainly have enrichened the postal service for the privelege of 'looking at' many of theese halves the last several months especially.

Don S