R-7 Cherrypick today (Capped Bust Half Dime)

Barndog

I went to a small show today (Show Report Here) and looked at just half dimes. I picked up a half dime from a type book that was a gnarly looking coin, but priced accordingly. The coin is an 1829. I always look at the reverse first. I noted the RI in AMERICA were joined at the base and that the top loop of the second S in STATES was filled. To me, those are key markers that tell me the coin in my hand is either the LM-7.3 (R-4) or LM-8 (R-7). The obverse of the coin was more worn than the reverse (see the pics) and I didn't have time to study it in depth, get out my book, pop a microscope out on the countertop, etc -- we call it cherrypicking for a reason, right? Anyway, I knew I was holding a potential R-7 coin in my hands, so I paid for it and moved on to the next table.

After extensive study with a loupe, photographs, and comparison to my set pieces and dupes (I have an XF and an MS65 LM-7.3 plus a nice AU LM-8), plus consultation with Cladiator via PM that included discussion of lots of stuff to include die state and key "pick-up points" I came to the conclusion that my coin was indeed the rare 1829 LM-8! Die state study was important because the same reverse die was used to coin both of these die marriages -- with the LM-8 coming before the LM-7.3 (with another die marriage in between the two, the R-6 LM-6.3). I remember a wise half dime collector advising me in the past something along the lines of study, study, study before making a conclusion that you have a rare coin in your hands. Plus, I remember my statistics professors talking about the "bell curve" so I know it is always my tendency to expect the more common coin until evidence beyond a reasonable doubt tells me otherwise.

Enough talk, I know. Anyway, I got a rare half dime today and am excited about it. This coin, even in its sorry state, could bring up to six hundred bucks in the right venue -- at least that is what a reasonable half dime collector or two seem to think. For inquiring minds, the Sheldon scale says an R-7 requires that no more than 12 examples are thought to exist. I do suspect that this die marriage could become an R-7 minus or R-6 plus in my lifetime...that's just the nature of numismatics. Pictures are below.

CoinAddict

Very nice cherrypick, Richard. I would be excited also.

Coxe

Awesome!

Cladiator

Congratulations on an outstanding pick up Barndog! A job very well done on your part, very well done.

This particular coin presented unique attribution challenges due to its obverse wear. As most of you half dime geeks probably know, much of the obverse attribution is centered around the dentils and their relationship to other devices. You can plainly see that this coin just flat out has no more obverse dentils.

This does not mean hope is lost though. Every single part of each device can be used to attribute. Albeit unorthodox but effective. Not once in the Logan/McCloskey reference on Bust Half Dimes will you read about the position relationship between Star #11 and the Bust hair curls but in this specific case that relationship yeilded vital information in confirming the obverse die. Another key to attributing the obverse die of this coin was the distance of the 1 in the date to the bust of Liberty. Again, you'll find no mention of this in any printed refrence I know of but it proved to be a very accurate attribution point for this coin.

For those variety seekers of all denominations and series remember that our reference books are not all inclusive bibles, they are simply guides. Use them, learn from them and then expand upon them in your study.

Good job Barndog!

numisma

Fantastic. I know the feeling that you must have right now. Enjoy it, because it doesn't happen very often, for obvious reasons.

DUIGUY

Very nice pick up Richard !!

And thank you for a very educational post !! Man, have I got allot to learn !

StopMotion

Wolf359

Congratulations on a terrific cherrypick!

Barndog

I should add a bit of sobering information in here too. One of the coins I sold today at the show was an AU half dime (really nice looking, both the dealer and I agreed) that I bought off of ebay thinking it was an R-5 or R-6. I was wrong and it was as common as dirt. You win some, you lose some. I paid type price for the AU and sold it for the exact same amount I paid for it when I won it on ebay. Like most people with the skills to cherrypick, you don't always come up smelling like roses.

Coxe

Ain't that the truth, Barndog. But the scores generally way outweigh the mistakes.

RichieURich

Congratulations, Barndog! A terrific cherrypick, which can be credited to your impressive knowledge and your and Cladiator's diligence in attributing it!

Here I was congratulating myself for buying an 1853-O No Arrows in VF today, . . . yes, I'm still real happy with that purchase. But no way as happy as Barndog after finding an R-7!!!

Barndog

<< <i>Here I was congratulating myself for buying an 1853-O No Arrows in VF today, . >>



Sweet! Cherried or finally found a knowledgeable seller with a real one (arrows weren't tooled off!)?

Cladiator

<< <i>1853-O No Arrows in VF today, . . . yes, I'm still real happy with that purchase. >>

Rockin! Congrats RUR

RichieURich

The seller was knowledgeable and knew it was the correct variety, fortunately for me, I think he based his grade on the date being half gone.

Barndog

<< <i>The seller was knowledgeable and knew it was the correct variety, fortunately for me, I think he based his grade on the date being half gone. >>



EXCELLENT!

ledzep87

Nice cherrypick!!

RYK

Very cool.

richardshipp

"Knowledge is power" is proven again. Nice Score Barndog.


You too RichieuRich..... / I still need one of those for my 1853 circ type set

JrGMan2004

Infreakincredible Richard!!! Always fun to do that... I still have yet to cherrypick an R.7, but I certainly know the rush of excitement when you find what you think is a scarce coin

notwilight

Nice cherry. Well written and enjoyable tell too. Thanks for posting this. --Jerry