ANSWER POSTED: Based on my fuzzy pics, what do you think of color on this 1862 proof half-dollar?
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Still practicing with how to get my iPhone to capture both design sharpness and color simultaneously from within a somewhat abused slab.... opinions?
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Although I’d rather know in advance whether, when viewed under a light, it’s transparent, I think the color’s somewhat attractive. However, it will be too dark for the tastes of many collectors.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
The image of the color and details is much better than what I could manage. I am not clear as to hairlines on the coin in contrast to slab abuse. Maybe you can provide alittle guidance on the quality of the fields/surfaces.
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I might be a bit concerned upon first blush although when looking at it further in context it is a proof, I think the color is NT and sparkles in hand.
I do hope it wasn't cleaned (hairlines are present) and the toning was done afterward to minimize the problem(s).
I like.
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Put me in the 'Like It' column.
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I like it. Very nice coin.
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PR62.
Old album color, it looks like.
I've seen a lot worse and aesthetic taste varies greatly, a lot of people like/love what others don't. It seems to be at least average for Unc. proofs of that era, eye appeal may depend on in hand inspections, luster, hairline prominence, etc..
I wouldn't kick it out of bed for eating crackers.
It looks like despite my terrible photos, sentiments are pretty well aligned with PCGS and CAC on this one. Here you go:
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There was only one grade guess posted, which wasn’t particularly surprising, since you didn’t mention “guess the grade” in your thread title or opening post.
Seeing as how the grade guess was Proof 62, how are that and general comments about liking the coin, pretty well aligned with a PCGS 64+ CAC?
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Well it was in the 60's and being only 2+ points apart with a CAC green is only 2.5-3x the price.
I always learn something from you, Mark. I'm a little surprised you feel the coin would be too dark for the taste of many collectors. I would have thought this would have been an highly desirable coin. I'm thinking one wouldn't expect an 1862 to be blast white. Can you post a picture of a similar vintage proof that would be an example of an ideal coin?
I considered my words carefully, before making that comment. And I thought it was apropos because 1) many collectors prefer color-free or light-to-medium toned coins (even if/though they're not original) and 2) this one looks dark at the periphery of each side.
I certainly like the toning and am confident that - here's that word agian - many others would, as well, especailly if the darker areas are transparent. In summary, I think many would appreciate the coin's appearance, but that many others might not. And to be fair, the same could be said about countless other coins.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I would love to own that coin. I think its beautiful!
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It's a little dark for my tastes, if that helps settle this.
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Thank you, Mark. I'm always a little nervous bidding on toned coins so appreciate your knowledge. I'm guessing the concern regarding the periphery is that the darkness could turn black which could in turn damage the coin.
I took a risk on bidding on this coin several years ago which appeared dark in one picture and lively in the other, Would you say "many" collectors would stay away from it because of the first picture?!
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I think that portions of the periphery on each side of the 1862 Half Dollar are dark enough to discourage a fair number of bidders, even if they’re not concerned about future darkening. But I might feel differently if I were to see the coin in hand.
Regarding your question about the 1871 Dime - if potential bidders had only the slab-shot to go by, I believe that many would pass. But with both sets of images upon which to make a decision, I’d expect considerably more bidder interest,
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I see the grade has been posted already, but given the original images I would have guessed PR62. Of course, I could not tell how many of those scratches and hairlines were on the coin and not the slab, but my interpretation of it was that there were quite a few on the coin. However, it appears i was wrong.
To me it appears dipped and retoned and completely acceptable.
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Agree with you Tom. I would have guessed PR62 based upon the images. Clearly, in hand, I would assume the 64+ is justified! Nice coin!
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I like dark proofs, but based on the photos of the half, I would want to see it in hand. I agree with Mark that dark proofs have a more limited audience, but they may be an eager one depending on eye appeal. I for one prefer somewhat serious toning on anything earlier than the 20th century.
If you don't have plastic polish handy, you might be able to "unabuse" the slab for the purposes of the photo by smearing a tiny amount of thin oil on it.
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Simple - I expected more "details" responses and sentiments seemed to me to be in favor of "straight grade" status, which was correct.
In my in-hand OPINION, the coin actually does have a generous supply of hairlines (in addition to die polish) given the borderline gem grade. But the toning substantially overcomes mechanical hairlines and helps create a rather positive appearance.
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