1835 Half Cent w/details, 1835/5?

dieabolical

First off, this puppy's got problems, I bought it raw last year on the bay based on photos that didn't show the circumference-long scratch traced around the obverse bust.
But I was out of town when it came, by the time I noticed the scratch the return window had closed, so I didn't even try.
And the reverse has a lot of gunk on it, PVC?
Well I just took it out to loupe it over real good and saw what looks like a recut or doubled '5'.
And the 'L' in LIBERTY has a bite taken out of its leg.
And there's something going on with 'HALF CENT' too.
The reverse doesn't look that colorful in hand.
Question is, do the '5' and the 'L' compensate for the problems?
Or are quirks like these in half cents just too common?
I think I paid like $130 for this, I'm guessing that's ~$50 too much.

Mercury10c

<< <i>Question is, do the '5' and the 'L' compensate for the problems? >>


No, it is a common variety. R-1.

dieabolical

Thanks, that's about what I expected.
Into the recycle bay with her.
And the circle of life continues...

karpman9

I think it's a cool coin.

Maybe not a showpiece, but a great coin to examine in detail under magnification as you evidently did. Is that really a scratch around the bust? It looks like a very dramatic clashed die imho. Also, I think the repunched "5" and the repunched letters of HALF CENT are very cool. The L in liberty could have been affected by the die clash or it may have been minted with a very late die state/terminal die state die. If you have PVC or other gunk, nothing wrong with trying to remove the residue. Search this forum for how to do it with preciscion and care. I wouldn't give up on that coin so quickly. Yes, you overpaid, but so what. It has really neat character. Study it. Enjoy it. Read more about that date and series in Breen's Encyclopedia of US Coins. You'll be happy you did.

BEst regards,