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How would you grade this 1912 Barber half?
Spartcom5
Posts: 399 ✭✭✭
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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AU details. I don't like the look of the right obverse or the left reverse fields.
Doug
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.
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.
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.
50 details, cleaned and an obverse fingerprint.
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45, 50 on a good day but it's been cleaned
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.
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?
Cleaned. Move on to a graded coin.
Best wishes
EF 45
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
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?"
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AU details, burnished.
Keep looking. Looks are not there. Get a nice slabbed Barber without the prints and bright space in front of the face.
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.
AU55, sold for $276 W/the juice
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.
Looks AU, but I don't trust the surfaces.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
I don't like the look of the coin. I would pass.
The graded coin posted later is much more pleasing to me.