Thoughts on this VF35 1901 Barber Half?
Spartcom5
Posts: 399 ✭✭✭
I have been looking to add a higher grade Barber 50c piece to my collection. Earlier I found this for $128 and am thinking about it. But not knowing much about barbers I thought I would post it here to get some more opinions. It is quite dark but I like that because I know it is original and has never been cleaned in the past. The details look quite sharp as well. What do you guys think? Again sorry for the lighting in the store.
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Comments
I like it.
Looks properly graded.
I'm not going to comment on this particular coin because I can't really interpret its surfaces from the images. However, you write "It is quite dark but I like that because I know it is original and has never been cleaned in the past" and I will make a comment about that line. Simply because a circulated coin is dark does not mean it is original. Additionally, a dark, circulated coin could have been cleaned in the past, as well.
I'm not stating that you believe a dark coin and a cleaned coin are mutually exclusive, but I wanted to point that out to those who might not realize that dark by itself means neither original nor uncleaned.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Ahh okay thank you, I guess I just thought it looked like original patina.
I like it and I think it’s probably an XF 40. I’ve owned many Barber Halves just with that look and most are satisfying when they are as detailed.
I’ve always been of the opinion that this particular type of 2 tone originates from a past cleaning of just the devices of a super dark coin so that they show up better. Which they certainly do. And folks would just rub enough toning off to reveal the lighter silver color to see it better I guess.
A lot of collectors like the “Circ Cameo” look not realizing coins don’t just tone that way on their own.
it is more than that it is closer to an XF45 coin. It has long the realms of VF.
iMO the coin lloks decent, but not great. Darker toning isn't unatractive necessarily if not too dark and it has eye appeal. I am not a fan of "crusty" (code for butt ugly) or mottled, splotchy toning. Anyway your coin looks nice-not too dark. The coin is a solid, no disputing XF coin. Easily an XF45.
I think that the piece does have original surfaces, but my grade would be VF-30. To qualify for the VF-35 grade, there needs to be a debate as to whether or not the coin is an EF. I don't think that it's that close to EF unless you are going to water down the grade, which has been done in recent years.
As for the price, I think it's fair. Gray Sheet spread is $105 for Vf to $160 for EF.
To be honest I am not fond of it, just seems to be missing pizaz. some of the barber guys prefer those crusty dark original coins(although I am not so sure this is 100% original either), but still,just seems to be missing something to me.
Most of the time original, old, circulated coins don't have "pizaz;" they have dull gray surfaces like this piece. That's why the gray color is such a turn-off for so many collectors and why so many of these coins have been cleaned through the years.
It's not a bad example by any means, but I think you can do better. Based on the pics alone, this one doesn't have the look I personally prefer. On the bright side, this one of pushing XF very hard.
Dave
A nice old Barber, and not a bad price....Personally, I would look for a different coin - but that statement is based on my preference for appearance....Cheers, RickO
I would wait for another coin. Bill Jones made some good points concerning the originality. Certainly has XF details by current standards. If important to you these coins with this “look” can be difficult to CAC.
Good luck with your decision.
Thank you guys for the input. I think i will hold off on this coin for now, there is a big coin show coming up soon. I will look there for something a little better.
I think it is likely original and I like that look on my Barbers
To those who don't feel it is an XF, please sell me your all coins based on your grading.
I kind of like it, but this is an easy date and I would wait for a better one. This coins looks to be pushing XF to me.
I think the obverse is definitely close to XF, but the reverse holds it back. I'm looking for a type coin, so the date doesn't bug me as much, but I'd hold out for a better example for just a little more $$.
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