<< <i>Although there is nothing glaringly wrong with it, my preference would be to have a bit more toning on a coin of that era. >>
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I'll be unoriginal and agree too. My first thought was a coin that old should have a little more character (like the Feld offering). My second thought was I think I prefer circulated coins. I like the idea that the coin performed its intended duty and I can only imagine what 50 cents could purchase in 1853.
I went with I don't like it. I couldn't figure out a reason at first, but someone earlier on said it is "lifeless", which is probably a good way to say why I don't like it so much. I prefer a more natural look, and that particular one just feels almost artificial to me.
That still isn't to say I dislike the coin. It is a nice example to easily see the detail for the type, but from a purely aesthetic point of view I would prefer many others over that one.
If it looks closer to the image of the slab, as opposed to the close up images, I'd like it a little more, although it still looks a bit "artificial" to me.
I would agree with those who don't like the idea that the coin has been dipped, but if you are in the market for one of these coins, you will find out pretty fast that beggars can't be choosers.
This coin is very scarce true Mint State condition. Most of the pieces I've seen in less than MS-64 holders were "sliders" with a rub on Ms. Liberty's knee and breast. Even some of the MS-64 graded coins I've seen were not really Unc. IMO. Sure the mintage
As for "lifelessness," I think that is part of the territory. The mintage for this coin, which totally 3.5 million at the Philadelphia mint and 1.3 million at New Orleans was very high. The mints were also turning out other coins at a record pace. The reason for the high mintages was that every silver coin that the mint had issued previously, except the tiny silver three cent piece, had a melt value that exceeded its face value. Therefore the mint was near duty bound to replace the coinage that was in circulation. This resulted in pushing the dies to the limit, which often resulted in dull coin with less than perfect luster.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
Comments
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<< <i> Explain why/why not. The coin is from the upcoming Heritage CSNS sale. >>
I'm not crazy about it, but I'm not sure why. >>
Since you made my sig line, we'll give you a free pass.
K >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
ah the subconscious thought comes out.........."the coin in the slap"
Who is John Galt?
<< <i>Although there is nothing glaringly wrong with it, my preference would be to have a bit more toning on a coin of that era. >>
<< <i>
<< <i>Although there is nothing glaringly wrong with it, my preference would be to have a bit more toning on a coin of that era. >>
I'll be unoriginal and agree too. My first thought was a coin that old should have a little more character (like the Feld offering). My second thought was I think I prefer circulated coins. I like the idea that the coin performed its intended duty and I can only imagine what 50 cents could purchase in 1853.
On expensive coins, {those not found in pocket change}, Well You just have to look at it; or have someone you trust look at it. jws
Still, it's a nice half dollar.
Dave
Nice coins, but not in a series that I collect!
That still isn't to say I dislike the coin. It is a nice example to easily see the detail for the type, but from a purely aesthetic point of view I would prefer many others over that one.
If it looks closer to the image of the slab, as opposed to the close up images, I'd like it a little more, although it still looks a bit "artificial" to me.
This coin is very scarce true Mint State condition. Most of the pieces I've seen in less than MS-64 holders were "sliders" with a rub on Ms. Liberty's knee and breast. Even some of the MS-64 graded coins I've seen were not really Unc. IMO. Sure the mintage
As for "lifelessness," I think that is part of the territory. The mintage for this coin, which totally 3.5 million at the Philadelphia mint and 1.3 million at New Orleans was very high. The mints were also turning out other coins at a record pace. The reason for the high mintages was that every silver coin that the mint had issued previously, except the tiny silver three cent piece, had a melt value that exceeded its face value. Therefore the mint was near duty bound to replace the coinage that was in circulation. This resulted in pushing the dies to the limit, which often resulted in dull coin with less than perfect luster.
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U.S. Revenue Stamps