** Grades Posted ** GTG - 1837 Small Date & 1837 Large Date No Stars Half Dimes
BryceM
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One of these I've had for a while, the other arrived today. Both have been graded by our host. When you're a type collector, sometimes little issues arise. I was planning on only keeping one, but I'm not sure I want to part with the other. It's amazing how often this happens. I guess it's not a sin to just keep 'em both. We'll see. The small date coin (the top one) also happens to have a 35 degree die rotation.
Try to guess what the graders thought. We'll see if anyone nails it. Neither is in a "details" holder.
Edited to add: If YOU had to chose one, which would it be? 
This is the first GIF I've tried to do. Lots of work. My technique still needs work. This technique suggests tons of field hairlines. Through a loupe the fields are pretty darn clear. It does show the flash & luster pretty well though. The first coin is a NewP from David Kahn. Pretty little thing. The second coin came from CRO. Both I think are fantastic for what they are. Both seem plausibly original. I think maybe I like the small date coin a bit better.
Comments
Nice coins and nice photos.
I'm not an experienced AU-MS grader, but my guesses are:
AU-58 for the flat top 1, straight date, "small date" (might be MS-63 instead - concern is whether toned spot on breast indicates rub)
MS-62 for the tall pointed 1, curved date, "large date"
I'll take a try at the V- die marriage numbers later, too.
I will guess AU58 on the small date and AU55 on the large date.
Excluding 1836 Gobrecht dollars, the 1837 half dime is the earliest Seated type coin that can be acquired. The dimes started in 1838 1837, the quarters started in 1838, the halves started in 1839, and the ordinary Seated dollars started in 1840. I wonder why the Seated type design change rolled out over a period of four years?
I have no idea on the grades but I love the coins.
MS62
AU58.....could be mint state to me if the reverse fields weren't so scuffy/choppy. Don't see much luster there.
I'd choose the first coin by a mile just based on condition and eye appeal.
I completely agree with Roadrunner.
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CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
From the pictures they both scream AU58 to me. Given the allowance for a little friction either one could garner a low MS grade in my opinion.
AU-58+ DDR for the small date 1837 (The first coin on top)
AU-53 for the second coin (bottom coin)
I like them both, but my heart pulls for the first coin on top.
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They are both nice, but I'd take the top one if I get to pick.
I'd say 63 and 58
What a nice problem to have, both are great.
If forced, the first one.
MS62
AU55
I like the look of the small date if I had to chose.
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61
55
58
53
I like the first one and would sell the second
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
It happens quite a bit...you have a nice coin then you see another and buy it for a side by side comparison. Befuddled, you ask for some outside "assistance" to try and sway your decision one way or the other. I am going through it my self with a Seated Half Dime, not a "no stars" version, but still.
58/62 for both...which one to choose from? Top (small date) one for me.
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The top one I'd grade MS-63. It appears to have mint surfaces with no significant marks.
The bttom one I'd grade AU-58. I see a tiny rub on the on the seated figure. It could also be called MS-62 given the way rubs are handled for market grading.
Both are quite attractive.
Attractive coins - good pics.
AU58
AU55
I like the first one the best.
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I believe I know the grade of the top coin, so I won't "guess" at grades.
Both nice coins, but I prefer the top coin by a wide margin.
See the OP.
63 and 58
Grades at the top.
roadrunner for the win!
(No surprise there).
I often guess too high on GTG threads... I'm wondering how I went too low on both of these. I guess I could not judge the amount of luster present from the pics. Both are nice looking coins, regardless.
Dang I was close (63 & 58). PCGS must be getting better
I'm happy with my evaluation from the pictures!
Dimes started in 1837 also. Large and Small date just like the Half Dime.
Looks like if you go by CAC you were dead on. That looks like a gold sticker peeking out behind the Small date.
I thought that what looks like breaks in the luster on the reverse would hold it to 62.
The large date looked like too much chatter for a 58 in the fields to go 58, but that may be exaggerated by the large photos. Both really nice coins.
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Oops, sorry about the mistake on the dimes. I guess you can tell which Seated denomination I do not actively collect. That's what I get for combining red wine and posting.
Both nice coins!
I concede to Bill Jones, TO, and Steveben who all called it MS63 on the first coin...and apparently what it really is based on the gold CAC. Several others also called it as 62/58. A nice grouping in that range. By asking "which do you like better," the OP suggested the 2 coins were probably somewhat similarly graded....that influenced a number of people imo to go too low on the first coin.
The luster rotation view the OP added is neat. I think the light hairlines in the obv fields is why PCGS went MS62. Those aren't really visible in the still photos. Fwiw, I've seen 1837-1839 seated half dimes in MS65 holders that had almost no obverse field luster remaining...they were just pretty with secondary toning....despite that they were surely AU.
I like the top one (small date) the best... too late for the GTG.... Cheers, RickO