1795 FH H10c
logger7
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I picked up this coin, I was wondering how it might grade, afraid the graders would see the surface as env. damage.
10
logger7
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Comments
I would guess that environmental damage, as you noted. It appears to have pitting or some kind of PMD on both the obverse and the reverse.
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Even if they call it environmental damage at least you will get genuine I think. Unless they find a reason not to do so but the coin looks genuine to me.
Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
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Looks bent too but a lovely coin. I would put in a straight Gen holder with no details to encourage market grading
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set
Probably genuine details for pmd, but still a very cool little coin.
I wouldn't expect a straight grade, But it's a great piece of US numismatic history. Congratulations. Enjoy
There is also a cud die break over "TY" of Liberty.
It looks damaged to me but it is an extremely cool coin nonetheless.
I sent the coin to ICG; one of the finalizers came to "no decision" but they said they would have another finalizer look at it when they are back in the office.
My grade would be Gd6 details, damaged. Any US coin with a readable date beginning 179 is collectible, imo.
Can't help but think that this coin would look better with a privy
They called it AG details.
Maybe splitting hairs, but here is the AG3 example on PCGS CoinFacts:
When I checked out the low grade specimens on PCGS "Coin facts" I was surprised at how well struck these were so G-VG examples had very good details.
It is rare to find and early half dime with moderate to a lot of wear without damage. I bought this one over 40 years ago. At the time I graded it "The finest Fine-15 on the planet." NGC called it VF-20, 25 years ago.
I would not argue with a VF20 grade on that 1797 half dime. The devices are sharp.
Per Logan and McCloskey in "Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837," there are ten known die marriages for 1795. it looks like yours is an LM-10. "Star 1 joined to curl 2," and "Star 15 joined to bust" identify this as Obverse 8. Conveniently, Obverse 8 is only paired with one reverse - Reverse G for the series - thus identifying this as LM-10. The cud over TY is diagnostic as well.
L&M say this is a common die marriage, as opposed to some of the other marriages that are "very rare."
They go on to say, "But beware, deceptive struck counterfeit examples of LM-10 with the cud at TY exist. These bogus pieces were featured in an October 17, 1994 article in Coin World."
Coin World is unavailable freely, but ANS members can request copies. I found this out trying to access the content on the Newman Portal: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/551046
I have no opinion based on the images above as to whether yours is real or counterfeit, but it would be an interesting article if any of you ANS members dig it up. I believe the counterfeits in question use the spark erosion process. I don't know if that leaves any telltale markers.
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Wow! In my opinion they graded the coin too low. I think it is a solid Good that is damaged. If it is bent, that would help explain the wear pattern at the edges. Perhaps they are trying to put a value on it. Their long-time finalizer retired and they have a guy from PGCS running things now. I would send it back for review and send along the image of a real AG from PCGS!
PS That's the trouble with grading. If the letters were on the coin, it would be a VG - also my opinion. Please let us know the results if you do. If I worked there, I would change the grade and give you some free grading to cover your costs and trouble.