1860 Proof Half Dollar

SilverEagle1974 · February 2, 2021 1:46AM

Hi All,

I'd like comments & opinions on this coin.
I'm looking for aspects of coin grade, eye appeal, & the like.

Thanks,

Chris

MFeld · February 2, 2021 4:03AM

To my eyes, the coin is appealing and exhibits some pleasing cameo contrast, especially on the reverse. However, as I often say, it’s usually impossible to provide meaningful grade guesses for proof coins. Because far more times than not, their grades are largely dependent upon the extent of hairlines. And rarely are the hairlines fully visible in images.

koynekwest · February 2, 2021 4:43AM

It's an attractive coin IMO. I'm not going to venture a guess as to the grade tho.

Namvet69 · February 2, 2021 4:45AM

First impression is proof like but am I seeing nicks on right arm, big ding on left heel and what's the goop in F A on rev? IMO. Peace Roy

MFeld · February 2, 2021 5:31AM

@Namvet69 said:
First impression is proof like but am I seeing nicks on right arm, big ding on left heel and what's the goop in F A on rev? IMO. Peace Roy

Reasons to believe the coin is Proof and not PL:

Posted as a Proof by the OP and presumably attributed as a Proof.

Strike

Business strike 1860 halves don't typically display PL surfaces.

The areas around the letters LIBERTY on the obverse shield and next to the vertical shield stripes on the reverse look as brilliant as the fields. This isn't necessarily a make or break determination of the method of manufacture, but it will work much more often than not.

santinidollar · February 2, 2021 5:41AM

It’s a gorgeous coin. I won’t hazard what would be a total stab at a grade.

ricko · February 2, 2021 6:33AM

Nice coin and pictures.... Looks as if some serious spots are developing on the right side of Liberty (as viewed)... Cheers, RickO

Eldorado9 · February 2, 2021 8:52AM

Looks in the 61-62 range. Proofs were almost always wiped or cleaned back in the old days and finding one's with truly original surfaces, and exquisite color can be difficult...especially in grades that are affordable! This coin looks like it was cleaned lightly a long time ago and it re-toned naturally over the years. I love seated proof material. Good luck.

MFeld · February 2, 2021 9:05AM

@Eldorado9 said:
Looks in the 61-62 range. Proofs were almost always wiped or cleaned back in the old days and finding one's with truly original surfaces, and exquisite color can be difficult...especially in grades that are affordable! This coin looks like it was cleaned lightly a long time ago and it re-toned naturally over the years. I love seated proof material. Good luck.

This is part of the problem with trying to assess the grade of a Proof coin based upon images. I don't see hairlines that should or would account for a grade that low. But that doesn't mean they aren't present, just not showing in the images.

If I had to guess a grade, I'd go with PR64. However, nothing within a range of PR63 to PR65 would surprise me in the least.

SeattleSlammer · February 2, 2021 9:27AM

Just say no to glamour shots.

Coin might be nice.

Eldorado9 · February 2, 2021 10:57AM

@MFeld said:

@Eldorado9 said:
Looks in the 61-62 range. Proofs were almost always wiped or cleaned back in the old days and finding one's with truly original surfaces, and exquisite color can be difficult...especially in grades that are affordable! This coin looks like it was cleaned lightly a long time ago and it re-toned naturally over the years. I love seated proof material. Good luck.

This is part of the problem with trying to assess the grade of a Proof coin based upon images. I don't see hairlines that should or would account for a grade that low. But that doesn't mean they aren't present, just not showing in the images.

If I had to guess a grade, I'd go with PR64. However, nothing within a range of PR63 to PR65 would surprise me in the least.

Agree, hard to grade proofs from pics. For educational purposes, here is what I firmly believe is an original coin. These 1860-1865 proof halves generally take on the same characteristics. This is what they look like without the cleaning and secondary toning. Many of these coins seem to have some minor upset to the toning in the fields, where something has come into contact with the coin over the years:

SilverEagle1974 · February 2, 2021 11:47AM

So the coin is a proof graded by PCGS.

From the comments, I do see the gash in her upper arm.

The goop are tarnish spots.

As stated by the group there are hairlines.

The original photos are the TrueView by PCGS. It seems they photograph on a straight-on angle.

Below are my amateur photos.
I'm NO Ansel Adams but maybe more comments on the coin would be appreciated.

She does have a very light cameo contrast and the field looks a little hazy. Probably from a wiping in the past as stated by the group.

Thanks,

Chris

Baley · February 2, 2021 11:50AM

Nice coin, 62 appears to be an accurate grade.

Smudge · February 2, 2021 12:12PM

Easy on the eyes, but some hairline scratches may hold it back. Hard not to like it though.

MFeld · February 2, 2021 12:40PM

The coin doesn't look as nice in the newer photos and 62 appears to be a fair grade.

Jimnight · February 2, 2021 1:10PM

Very nice coin!

SilverEagle1974 · February 2, 2021 6:31PM

@MFeld said:
The coin doesn't look as nice in the newer photos and 62 appears to be a fair grade.

That may be due to my amateur photography.

I think she is a keeper. Then, again, I did buy her so I'm biased.

Chris

1860 Proof Half Dollar

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