POLL: Any Shot at VF25 or 30? Bust half within. ***GRADE POSTED***

BustHalfBrian

The coin was NGC VF20 before I cracked it out the other day. And thinking of it now, I probably should have taken the pics after cracking it out I know a 5 or 10 point bump at this grade level is negligible, but the difference could be a couple hundred dollars (no I'm not selling it).

I sent it on a Regular tier submission along with a few other Bust halves to take advantage of the Quarterly Special. I will post the results here when they're ready.

***GRADE POSTED***

ms70

I would say it's a 20, but I get a sinking feeling PCGS will say 15. I honestly hope I'm wrong.

StrikeOutXXX

Wait... you're asking US for Bust Half opinions? This a trick question? ;-)

I looked through all the high-res images on heritage of their 1836 25's and could honestly say they were all better than your example.

But... then I looked at all their 20's and for the most part, yours is better.

So I'm guessing VF 22.5

Based on my limited scope of knowledge though, I'm sticking with VF20 for yours.

messydesk

I'll say VF20 is the most you get out of that one.

LanLord

I have a funny feeling about that shoulder clasp.
It seems so defined considering the general wear on that coin.

maibockaddict

Here is a 20 from Heritage

1836 O-121

Brian, yours has more meat. Would not be surprised if you get a 25 out of it with a shot at 30.

Remember guys, with bust halves, you must compare equal die marriages and states when it comes to wear. All busties will bare wear differently.

291fifth

The reverse is VF but the obverse in only F.

maibockaddict

<< <i>I have a funny feeling about that shoulder clasp.
It seems so defined considering the general wear on that coin. >>



This is how they are with this particular hub

NumisOxide

Looks like NGC had it right at VF20. Nice coin though.

coin22lover

Reverse VF25

Obverse VF20

lasvegasteddy

has that 20 look about her
nice even overall look about her for that grade
goodluck with the results too

Goldbully

<< <i>Reverse VF25

Obverse VF20 >>




Good assessment.....I agree

LogPotato

I hope you get your 20, but I have a gut feeling of 15.

coinkat

very tough call. I see it as a 20 with 25 being possible- perhaps a 25% shot

Rampage

I do not know how to grade this series, but I would not call it anything better than a Fine. The rims look too weak to me.

ricko

VF20....nice coin... Cheers, RickO

BillJones

I answered, "No, it is only VF20," but if I really needed a fifth choice, "Less than VF-20." The reverse is a VF-20, but the obverse is hanging on to that grade with its finger nails at best, and the obverse represents more than 50% of the grade for most coins. I know these coins can be flatly struck, but there is a lot of wear and missing detail on that obverse.

CyStater

In my very limited experience, NCG is much more liberal in grading bust halves than PCGS. And CAC seems to agree. Of the 10 or so I have sent them, all graded by PCGS have stickered while none of the NGC have been CAC worthy. That being said, I would call this one a 20.

maibockaddict

<< <i>I do not know how to grade this series, but I would not call it anything better than a Fine. The rims look too weak to me. >>



Rims are weak because the coin was struck that way. Second use of the reverse die.

1836 O-121

You guys are pretty harsh and probably getting Brian all worried and worked up

jdillane

The reverse lays claim to 25 but the obverse isn't pulling his weight and looks right at 20. Best guess is that she grades VF20. She is a nice 20 at that!

BustHalfBrian

<< <i>

You guys are pretty harsh and probably getting Brian all worried and worked up

>>



Yes, slightly.

roadrunner

With that strong reverse and nice overall surfaces a Fine 15 never entered my mind. VF20 or better.

CoinJunkie

In spite of the "marginal" obverse, I think the reverse and overall look will carry it to VF20 again.
I'll be surprised if it grades any higher.

johnny9434

id say its a 20 with maybe a chance at a 25. good luck

DeepCoin

I am in the 20 crowd, with the possibility of 15 on a bad day in the grading room

sparky64

I think it's a strong VF20.
I voted that it had a shot at VF25.
Great CBH regardless.

123cents

I think it will grade VF-20 with a slight chance of VF-25.

coin22lover

There's no way that coin will grade Fine. But it also won't grade 30.

VanHalen

It's a VF20 but the obverse barely makes VF. At 25 it looks a touch overgraded, not impossible but not a VF+ to me.

DIMEMAN

I like her as a 25.

BillJones

The main argument for pushing this coin up to a higher grade is that it was flatly struck on the obverse and therefore appears to have more wear than it really has. You cannot make the argument that coin has VF details because there is simply not enough "meat" on the obverse of the piece to warrant that grade.

With all due credit to our hosts, here is the weakest VF-20 to that is pictured on the Coin Facts page for 1836 Lettered Edge Half Dollars.



And here is a coin that is graded Fine-15.



And if I were in the market for an 1836 half dollar in VF-25, here would be my choice among the coins shown.



The obverse accounts for more than half of the grade, and if the obverse is weak, you are facing an uphill battle to push the grade higher using the reverse.

IrishMikey

I would agree, since the 3rd 1836 shown is, in my opinion, a pretty strong VF-30 coin.

BustHalfBrian

Well, it looks like the majority got it right - PCGS said VF20.

I guess CAC is the next step.