How would you grade this 1912 Barber half?

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Spartcom5
Spartcom5 Posts: 399 ✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum

Saw this earlier and was very interested priced at $280. That's way more than I have ever spent on a raw coin. I have no idea how to grade barber halves. So I am asking you guys! What do you think the grade on this is? They have it marked AU but I will say it looks great in hand. TONS of luster and the details seem sharp.


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  • Lucanus
    Lucanus Posts: 424 ✭✭✭
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    AU details. I don't like the look of the right obverse or the left reverse fields.

    Doug

  • ARCO
    ARCO Posts: 4,475 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Very difficult to see the wear that would give this coin an AU58 grade, and the toning hides the luster, but it easily seems a 62or 63 to me if not an AU58. Very common date, but unless it is cleaned $280.00 is a great price.

  • Colonialcoin
    Colonialcoin Posts: 923 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    The huge obverse fingerprint is a big no no for me. You should be able to find yourself a fairly decent certified XF or AU.

  • Spartcom5
    Spartcom5 Posts: 399 ✭✭✭
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    I tried my best to see hairlines from cleaning but it did not look like there were any, but I definitely see where it looks like it could've been cleaned which is another reason I am hesitant.

  • lkenefic
    lkenefic Posts: 9,518 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    50 details, cleaned and an obverse fingerprint.

    Collecting: Dansco 7070; Middle Date Large Cents (VF-AU); Box of 20;

    Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
  • CCGGG
    CCGGG Posts: 1,267 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    45, 50 on a good day but it's been cleaned

  • kaz
    kaz Posts: 9,378 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I don't like the look of the bright area next to stars 7&8; looks like the toning was removed there, judging by the sharply demarcated toned area along the bridge of the nose. Hairlines or no, I just find it distracting.

  • Spartcom5
    Spartcom5 Posts: 399 ✭✭✭
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    IS it possible that it might not have been cleaned? I am seeing similar examples online where the right obverse field has had the toning worn off?

  • No Headlights
    No Headlights Posts: 2,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Cleaned. Move on to a graded coin.
    Best wishes

  • Soldi
    Soldi Posts: 2,177 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    EF 45

  • BlindedByEgo
    BlindedByEgo Posts: 10,754 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Buy it and have it graded. Then you'll know for sure.

    Check out my current listings: https://ebay.com/sch/khunt/m.html?_ipg=200&_sop=12&_rdc=1

  • sparky64
    sparky64 Posts: 7,063 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I would advise to pass on this coin.
    There is a reason they are asking price guide xf money for what you think is a high au coin.
    You say that this is "way" more money than you've ever spent on a raw coin. You need to be sure of what you're doing and not taking chances. Imho.
    I'm not against buying raw coins. I really enjoy it. It tests your skills but I'd hate to see you get discouraged here.
    The fingerprint in the prime focal area and the questionable fields will likely always bother you.

    "If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"

    My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress

  • 291fifth
    291fifth Posts: 25,218 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    AU details, burnished.

    All glory is fleeting.
  • Smudge
    Smudge Posts: 10,001 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Keep looking. Looks are not there. Get a nice slabbed Barber without the prints and bright space in front of the face.

  • Spartcom5
    Spartcom5 Posts: 399 ✭✭✭
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    Thanks guys, I'll save my money on this and put it towards something nicer. Raw coins if not Morgans always worry me especially at these prices.

  • KollectorKing
    KollectorKing Posts: 4,820 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    AU55, sold for $276 W/the juice


  • BryceM
    BryceM Posts: 11,940 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    If I was looking for this coin with that budget, I'd rather have a really cherry XF than a problem AU. It will be easier to sell someday when I tire of it, it won't have "issues" when I look at it, and it will always be solid. I see the same issues as everyone else, but if there's a return privilege, it might not be stupid to get it and take an in-hand look. You never know....... but I'd be 90% sure I would be sending it back. YMMV.

  • TomB
    TomB Posts: 23,185 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Looks AU, but I don't trust the surfaces.

    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • TheRaven
    TheRaven Posts: 4,172 ✭✭✭✭
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    I don't like the look of the coin. I would pass.

    The graded coin posted later is much more pleasing to me.

    Collection under construction: VG Barber Quarters & Halves

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