A Tail of Two Half Dimes

itsnotjustme

I bought two half dimes on last Tuesday's Heritage Internet Auction.

The first was an AU-58 1857 Half Dime. After Buyer's Premium & sales tax, I paid $113. Grey sheet is $85 for AU, and $120 for MS60. The coin has nice luster, a few very lights scratches & nicks, and no sign of wear. Looks better than as seen in the scan I'm pleased with the coin for the price paid.Scan 1857

The second is an MS-63 1872 Half Dime. Total paid was $167. GS is $158. The coin has no luster, and clearly visible WEAR on the obverse and reverse, and looks several times over dipped. Needless to say, I'll pay my 8% penalty to return this coin. It has no business being in an MS63 holder!1872 Scan

Had the grades been reversed, I would have been satisfied with the 1857 in an MS63 holder, but the 1872 should have been AU55.

The scans aren't reliable to judge just what will arrive. The bust half I bought in AU58 looked lack-luster and dark brown. It arrived golden and full luster!

quarterjack

Brian, i have also had this happen in the past! Sometimes the lighting really throws off the TRUE appearence of the coin. The last time this happened to me was on a piece i paid almost 2K for! In natural light you can't see any of the rainbow toning, but held under a 100 watt incandescent light and rotated it can definitely be seen. Who carries a light bulb around with them ? Live and learn.

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Dave

TomB

Perhaps they will waive the 8% fee if you point out where the coin has rub. I'm not just throwing this out here as a wild "perhaps"; it is my experience that they really do listen when you tell them why coins are returned.

itsnotjustme

I thought about asking for that waiver. I really think the coin needs to get back to PCGS for a re-grade so it isn't passed off as mint-state.

KoinKollector

Brian,
Next time you see a seated coin w/ the color the 1872 did, pass on the coin every time. Thats the color of an over dipped piece of junk.