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Which 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar would you buy if they were priced the same?
coin22lover
Posts: 3,542 ✭✭✭
Both coins are PCGS G06. You're going to buy one, they're the same variety, and they're both priced the same. Which do you pick?
Which 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar would you buy if they were priced the same?
This is a public poll: others will see what you voted for.
2
Comments
Definitely the second one for me
If the first one did not have the scratch behind the portrait I may have had to think a little bit longer, but I think that I would have still chose #2.
If I had only those two to choose between, I’d take the second one because I’m not a fan of the scratch on the first one. That said, I’m not a huge fan of the toning on the second one, but I’d prefer that toning over the scratch.
I'd buy the second example and fix it
so it would be attractive.
Acetone?
This is not a poll choice but I would not buy either coin, as both are the most commonly found T-7/O.101 and there are currently better examples on the market from G4 to VG8.
For a rare 1794 variety, I would choose the second coin. For an extremely rare (R-7 or R-8) 1794, I would be happy to have either coin.
That is usually a good first step if you don't care about taking the "skin off a coin." Many attractive coins have been ruined when a light PVC skin has been removed.
I don't think you can make an inference from the price paid for the first coin seven years ago. We know what happened to the 1794 half dollar supply a couple of years ago. Today it would go for less than half that.
If I owned the second coin I'd send it to PCGS for conservation and have it attributed since it's a scarcer die marriage.
Lance.
Looks like you need to buy the book, as those are both O-102's and quite rare with about 14-15 known, according to the AMBPR. It doesn't look like any O-102's were a part of the 2018 hoard. The most recent 5 auctions (all Heritage) for the O-102 were:
PCGS Genuine, Good, graffiti, $1560 (Feb. 2018)
NGC Good, env. damamge, $3,525 (Sept. 2016)
NGC VG, graffiti, $3,055 (April 2015)
PCGS G06 (CAC) $12,925 (Nov. 2013)
NGC AG, graffiti, $1,763 (Oct. 2012)
PCGS G06, "old scratch in the left field obverse" (sounds like the top one), $7,245 (May 2012)
To answer the question, other than the scratch, I like the surfaces better on the first example, but the scratch really bothers me. If it came down to it, I'd pick number 2.
Early American Copper, Bust and Seated.
@opportunity, thanks, I needed that, I am usually more careful.
Option 3: Save my money
Latin American Collection
I'll save my money as well jmo
This was also my actual opinion, for the same reason except that I do not care about die varieties.
I would pass on both. Wait for one that has no problems. There are plenty.
I would also pass on both coins. Keep looking you’ll find one that speaks to you.
Absolutely
I don't like either coin.
Number one has a large gash in the obverse left facing field.
Number two has less detail and ugly spotting.
If my hand was forced; I'd pick number one, because it has fewer problems....
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
There no I wouldn’t buy ether one
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/quarters/washington-quarters-major-sets/washington-quarters-date-set-circulation-strikes-1932-present/publishedset/209923
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/quarters/washington-quarters-major-sets/washington-quarters-date-set-circulation-strikes-1932-present/album/209923
When it comes to defects/impairments, the nature of the problem is most important.
Spots can be removed but at what cost, as the coin would have to be conserved and then regraded. Is it worth it on a coin like that? My guess would be 'no'.
Gashes can't be removed but detail can't be added, either, so that part is a wash.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
This is not about cost or slabbing. Look at the poll. Folks prefer to own undamaged or "fixable coins. Besides, there are folks who routinely conserve their coins at no cost before sending the to a TPGS. The costly and not a DIY "fix" is scratch removals and 99.9 % of those repairs can be detected by someone.
True, but you'd still have to pay grading fees and shipping costs. Also, badly worn coins are just as bad as damaged ones to me.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Although I'm not fond of either if forced at gunpoint I'd take the second one.
I would choose the second coin...due mainly to the scratch on number one...Plus, the second one can be conserved. Cheers, RickO
@Walkerfan said: "True, but you'd still have to pay grading fees [ONLY if someone wanted it in a slab and this coin does not need one] and shipping costs."
@Walkerfan continued: "Also, badly worn coins are just as bad as damaged ones to me."
Bless you my child,
Thankfully, you have the means to shun low grade coins in spite of their historical value or rarity. Hopefully, your status in life will only improve so you can shun anything below "Gem" condition. 
Tough coin - I would be happy with either, but since the reverses are comparable, I would choose #2 because I find the obverse scratch too distracting. I also think the face detail on #2 Liberty is better.
Pacific Northwest Numismatic Association
I would chose neither, as I could not live with either coin.
I did not vote as I would chose different depending on the circumstance even if priced the same. IF I HAD TO CHOSE because someone was giving me the one I chose for free, this is how it would go. If I had to leave the coin I chose as is, I would pick #1. If I could conserve the coin I chose, then I would pick #2. The tarnish/spots will always bother me MORE than anything else.
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
Not crazy about either, but the scratch on the first kills it for me, so #2 it is. I agree with looking for a nicer one, perhaps in VG8 or VG10, since it looks like the pricing is pretty flat until you hit F12.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
@Insider2
LOL
I only meant that coin one looked less worn than coin two, so that is why I preferred it.
I have no problem with a circulated 1794 FH Half Dollar.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/