Whats so special about the 1929 Half Eagle? Grade revealed MS64
BECOKA
Posts: 16,960 ✭✭✭
Grade Revealed. This is a PCGS MS64.
This is the last piece I needed to complete my set.
:
Now it will be just a slow road to upgrade other pieces when I find ones with nice eye appeal. Due to cost there will not be many upgrades, it will be more replacing the same grade with a nicer looking example.
Mintage: 662,000
PCGS Population: 274 with an equally low pop at NGC
There were 13 years between the last two issues of this series. There were enough minted in the first 9 years that the mint felt it unwarranted to continue.
Only 24 have been graded by PCGS lower than Mint State. This leads me to believe that this series may not have been released beyond the banks. I also believe unless there is a hidden bank hoard somewhere that this issue is going to be tougher to come by than the 1909-O which has the smallest mintage.
I have only seen a small handful of these come on the market over the last 3 years. This coin is special in the fact that it is rare but when they become available they are usually in MS condition due to the majority not making it to circulation and most probably being melted in the 1930's.
To me this is the key date since other so called key dates can be had at low grades for a relatively affordable price. If you want a complete set this is the one where you have to break the bank for even the lowest mint state grades.
This is the last piece I needed to complete my set.
:Now it will be just a slow road to upgrade other pieces when I find ones with nice eye appeal. Due to cost there will not be many upgrades, it will be more replacing the same grade with a nicer looking example.
Mintage: 662,000
PCGS Population: 274 with an equally low pop at NGC
There were 13 years between the last two issues of this series. There were enough minted in the first 9 years that the mint felt it unwarranted to continue.
Only 24 have been graded by PCGS lower than Mint State. This leads me to believe that this series may not have been released beyond the banks. I also believe unless there is a hidden bank hoard somewhere that this issue is going to be tougher to come by than the 1909-O which has the smallest mintage.
I have only seen a small handful of these come on the market over the last 3 years. This coin is special in the fact that it is rare but when they become available they are usually in MS condition due to the majority not making it to circulation and most probably being melted in the 1930's.
To me this is the key date since other so called key dates can be had at low grades for a relatively affordable price. If you want a complete set this is the one where you have to break the bank for even the lowest mint state grades.
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Comments
What does the '29 grade?
<< <i>Congratulations on a terrific accomplishment!
What does the '29 grade? >>
I let everyone know after a few guesses.
These are super tough to grade however, your tone makes me think it is non-mint state.....
I am putting some serious thought into collecting some Indian gold; but can not decide if I want to have the $2 1/2 or $5?
<< <i>AU-55.....
These are super tough to grade however, your tone makes me think it is non-mint state..... >>
Ahh, maybe my pics are not so good. I will give a hint then, everywhere you think there is a lack of tone it is luster. Lots and lots of luster.
Given that piece of personal information, I'll say ms62.
<< <i>I think he was referring to this statement: "This coin is special in the fact that it is rare but when they become available they are usually in MS condition due to the majority not making it to circulation and most probably being melted in the 1930's." It could be intepreted that your coin is non-MS. >>
Or it could be interpreted that it is statistically probable that it is MS.
I do see your point though. I only meant that if you do obtain this coin you have a much better selection of higher grades compared to other dates such as the 1909-O where the majority are graded below MS.
<< <i>MS64 >>
TDN, Have you been talking to Laura on this?
Nope - just a grading whiz.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
<< <i>Based on the tick marks on the Indian's chin and cheek, MS62. Nice coin. >>
One reason these are so hard to grade is that tick marks are not the whole story. I have seen tick marks on modern MS69 eagles so the allowable tick marks for an MS60-65 should be considerable in comparison.
The key to PCGS grading these is depth of tick marks, luster, hairlines and strike.
Lets see if this changes a few opinions and then I will post the grade this tonight.
Thanks to those that have posted so far.
<< <i>
<< <i>AU-55.....
These are super tough to grade however, your tone makes me think it is non-mint state..... >>
Ahh, maybe my pics are not so good. I will give a hint then, everywhere you think there is a lack of tone it is luster. Lots and lots of luster. >>
I can't grade them so won't even make an attempt, but from what I can see in the photo and confirmed by what you say, I'll bet this coin has OPULENT luster and would be a joy to hold in hand.
(you can send it to me by registered mail tomorrow)
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>AU-55.....
These are super tough to grade however, your tone makes me think it is non-mint state..... >>
Ahh, maybe my pics are not so good. I will give a hint then, everywhere you think there is a lack of tone it is luster. Lots and lots of luster. >>
I can't grade them so won't even make an attempt, but from what I can see in the photo and confirmed by what you say, I'll bet this coin has OPULENT luster and would be a joy to hold in hand.
(you can send it to me by registered mail tomorrow)
I would be happy to send it registered mail, as long as I get a check for enough to cover the next grade up before I send it.
According to letters by Mint Director Raymond Baker, the Pratt-design half and quarter eagles abraded so quickly that the Treasury department preferred not to strike them unless there was a significant demand. Hence, the long gaps in coinage of the pieces.
<< <i>Very nice 1929 half eagle! Congratulations!
According to letters by Mint Director Raymond Baker, the Pratt-design half and quarter eagles abraded so quickly that the Treasury department preferred not to strike them unless there was a significant demand. Hence, the long gaps in coinage of the pieces. >>
Seems like a reasonably reason. Although 13 years was a pretty long brake, especially when there were between 1 and 4 mints producing these every year for 9 years.
I would attribute your reasoning more to some of the smaller mintages rather than gaps in coinage.
Thanks for the info.
<< <i>
<< <i>Based on the tick marks on the Indian's chin and cheek, MS62. Nice coin. >>
One reason these are so hard to grade is that tick marks are not the whole story. I have seen tick marks on modern MS69 eagles so the allowable tick marks for an MS60-65 should be considerable in comparison.
The key to PCGS grading these is depth of tick marks, luster, hairlines and strike. >>
I know tick marks are not the whole story. How is it possible to evaluate hairlines from your pics? Or luster? The coin need to be in hand to evaluate these characteristics by rotating the coin under the right type of light.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Based on the tick marks on the Indian's chin and cheek, MS62. Nice coin. >>
One reason these are so hard to grade is that tick marks are not the whole story. I have seen tick marks on modern MS69 eagles so the allowable tick marks for an MS60-65 should be considerable in comparison.
The key to PCGS grading these is depth of tick marks, luster, hairlines and strike. >>
I know tick marks are not the whole story. How is it possible to evaluate hairlines from your pics? Or luster? The coin need to be in hand to evaluate these characteristics by rotating the coin under the right type of light. >>
I 100% agree. Just adding things to look at for those that are guessing AU. I also agree that my photo is not the greatest.
I guess I should appologize a little since I have seen this coin in hand and when I look a the photo I may see stuff that is not present.
Again the grade will be posted tonight. I updated my registry so for those that can't wait go ahead and check.
Thanks
This coin didn't come out of CT by any chance??
roadrunner
<< <i>What's the green stuff on his neck and around the ear section??? >>
Not sure. It does not show up on the original pic. I will check and see if it was due to the compression.
edited: Hmmm, it is on the original when I blow it all the way up to 100%. It looks like a reflection of some kind. The green stuff is not on the actual coin.
$20 Saint Gaudens Registry Set
Thanks to all who replied. This adrenaline rush has been fun.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
If you just plopped up the coin I would have guess MS-62 most likely.....
A sweet coin never the less.....
All most have to do is to look at a price guide on a few issues and they know how tough this set is.....
<< <i>So, what are you going to work on next?
Time to slow down. I will replace coins as I find better ones in the same or slightly higher grades. Can't really afford many dates in higher grades though.
I have thought about a lot of sets but can't decide on the next one. I started a nice type set but sold it to get the final half eagle. I would basically be starting the next set from scratch.
Any ideas?
Congrats on completing the set! I think they are beautiful coins. The REAL "Indian".
NOW......are you ready for the big ones? Saints, bro!
<< <i>Any ideas? >>
Well, one possibility is to leverage your knowledge of Indian gold and build a nice set of the $2 1/2 Indians.
What about the real half eagle challenge? A set of libs?
<< <i>That is what I was thinking also, a quarter eagle set.....
What about the real half eagle challenge? A set of libs?
I was seriously thinking about a vf, xf set of libs as anything above that is too expensive now that funds were depleted for this 1929.
Price of gold ain't helping this type of set either.....