Bust Half Dollar Greysheet valuations

stevepk

Is it just me, or are fair market values for bust half dollars in AU50 to MS62 not accurately listed by the Greysheet? Unlike other series, I rarely find attractive, certified examples for anywhere near Greysheet values. The Greysheet values are always much lower than the price required to procure decent examples. Is the Greysheet a reliable guide for any grade range for the series?

I am referring to 1807-1838 capped bust half dollars without problems in PCGS or NGC plastic.

joebb21

as with all coins you must learn the series and shop around.

Greysheet valuation is based on so so looking coins where you can find low end AU examples from $225 to over $1000 depending on date and grade.

BustHalfBrian

<< <i>...Is the Greysheet a reliable guide for any grade range for the series? >>



Generally, no it is not.

maibockaddict

Remember greysheet is wholesale and also does not take into account quality. all AU50's are not equal, and i would guess the price includes problem coins as well.

And the scarcer dates or varieties that do not trade often are usually even more out of whack

stevepk

I've been able to find decent examples of most other series for values close to Greysheet, but rarely do I ever find prices for Bust half dollars within a reasonable tolerance of Greysheet values. I am not trying to compare a dog of a seated liberty quarter to a gem of a bust half dollar within the same grade. Keeping constant all other variables (eye appeal, die varieties), is it safe to conclude bust half dollars are typically not accurately valued by the Greysheet? I've made plenty of observations and very few purchases, and this seems to be the trend. Either I've accurately identified the trend, or I have inaccurately identified what I think is a trend and just need to look harder. I am comparing apples to apples. I realize it is not fair to expect to buy an R7 coin for an R1 Greysheet value.

BustHalfBrian

<< <i>... is it safe to conclude bust half dollars are typically not accurately valued by the Greysheet? >>



For Bust halves from the teens and early 20's, Greysheet is usually useless, unless whomever is selling the coin(s) is unaware of the strong market for them. Some of the later year Bust halves can trade for bid or near bid, but those examples typically lack eye-appeal.

291fifth

If you are selling at a local show or to a local B&M it is probably accurate. if you are buying ... another story.

CoinZip

What is a grey sheet?

astrorat

For pricing CBHs, the Greysheet is useless. You may be able to pick up scudzy pieces for Greysheet, but not quality coins ... especially not in PCGS holders. Right now, the highest market value in CBHs are PCGS graded coins with CAC stickers.

Currently there is no "all inclusive" pricing guide for CBHs. The best resources are those published by Steve Herrman and Dave Rutherford's website. The Heritage auction archive is also valuable.

The best solution is to:

1. Learn the series
2. Learn to grade the series (and that goes way beyond the ANA Grading "Standards" book)
3. Visit with collectors and dealers who know the series
4. Join the JRCS
5. Looks at lots of coins
6. Be patient
7. Oh ... and read "Bust Half Fever" by Edgar Souders

Your questions are quite timely. I spend a good portion of our local show last weekend with a "young" dealer who wanted to learn about CBHs. He made some of the same observations you did regrind pricing.

EagleEye

For the most part, previously cleaned Bust half dollars will sell wholesale at greysheet levels. Anything that is gradable does not.

LindeDad

<< <i>What is a grey sheet? >>



Usually called dirty laundry don't keep that around all that often.
Been out of the loop on quality Capped Bust & Seated coins for longer than I've been collecting them.

Barndog

Steve Herrman's prices realized compilations are better sources of information, since they are based on actual sales compared to the greysheets that are based on potions, wishes, and magic beans