Finally getting around to getting some older coins graded - 1805 50c

stawick · August 18, 2026 12:53PM

I am finally getting around to getting a few of my better older coins graded, that I got way back when I was just starting collecting as a kid. I believe I got this 1805 50c from my grandfather decades ago probably when I was pre-teen. He was not that much of a collector, so I dont know the details behind this acquirement.
I just got the grade = XF details 92 cleaned. OUCH!
I'm not that familiar with details coins. Is this worth anything at all? How significant of a drop from the XF40 value can I reasonably expect?
The price guide for XF40 is $2650. At 30 its $1550. Is it reasonably anywhere in that range? Interested in your (experts) input and advice.
Thx.

Goob · August 18, 2026 12:56PM

Very nice coin! I’m no expert but I think details if it’s higher end XF in terms of remaining detail you’d be looking at maybe 30 pricing, 25 for a lower-end XF.

jmlanzaf · August 18, 2026 1:19PM

I would think half, maybe less in some cases. In this case, you've got cleaning which appears minor but graffiti in a major focal area

jmlanzaf · August 18, 2026 1:22PM

stawick · August 18, 2026 2:07PM

OK, it doesnt seem to be a total loss. It has some value to me (19 century coin, from gramps, in otherwise decent shape).

I didnt think to google it ... Thx.

An 1805 Draped Bust Half Dollar graded XF Details (Cleaned) by PCGS (using "Code 92" for cleaning) has the details and wear of an Extremely Fine coin, but cannot receive a straight numerical grade because it was improperly cleaned in the past. Its estimated market value typically ranges from $900 to $1,400, depending on eye appeal and the exact severity of the cleaning marks.

What "XF Details 92" MeansXF (Extremely Fine): The coin shows light to moderate wear on the highest points of the design, but major details on Liberty's hair and the eagle's feathers remain sharp and clear.Details / Code 92: PCGS certifies that the coin is genuine, but assigns a "Details" grade instead of a numeric grade (1–70) because of an environmental or physical blemish. Code 92 specifically designates artificial cleaning (hairlines, wiping, or altered surfaces).Value Impact: Cleaned early-date half dollars generally sell for a significant discount—often 30% to 50% less—compared to an uncleaned, straight-graded XF specimen.

MFeld · August 18, 2026 3:54PM

Here are a few sales of XF Details, Cleaned examples:

$2257 for this one, but don't get excited as it was an aberration:
https://coins.ha.com/itm/early-half-dollars/1805-50c-o-112-t-2-r2-obverse-cleaned-ngc-details-xf-mintage-211-722/a/1390-7207.s

I think the two sales below probably give a good indication of fair market value.

$1320 for this one: https://coins.ha.com/itm/early-half-dollars/1805-50c-o-112-t-2-r2-cleaned-pcgs-genuine-xf-details-mintage-211-722/a/60467-51060.s

$1380 for this one:
https://coins.ha.com/itm/early-half-dollars/1805-50c-o-112-t-2-r2-cleaned-pcgs-genuine-xf-details-mintage-211-722/a/60467-51060.s

RedRocket · August 18, 2026 5:14PM

I like the OP's half regardless of the grade/problem(s).
I think in a fair auction such as GC he will be pleasantly surprised at the ending price.

BigAl · August 18, 2026 10:31PM

A lot of DB halves are cleaned, but as long as it has decent nice eye appeal they can command strong money relative to their details grade. For example, I paid $3k for a F details 1802 DBH that was obviously cleaned, but has awesome peripheral album toning.
.
The issue with your coin is not so much the cleaning - based on the pics I think it has solid eye appeal, but rather the X carved into liberty’s neck. The coin should grade details graffiti; and unfortunately the market is not as forgiving for this as compared to a light cleaning.
.
It’s unfortunate, b/c I like the look of that coin, but can’t get past the X. My opinion is that you have a $1k - $1.2k coin to the right buyer.
.
Hope you’re having fun getting back in the hobby. The early BH series is an awesome series to collect, cheers!

SimonW · August 18, 2026 10:40PM

I think it might have a shot at grading, if not for the x carved into her neck.

stawick · August 19, 2026 6:48AM

Thx for the input. Funny thing, I never noticed the X on the neck before, may not have seen it under good lighting. I'll have to check when I get it back. Maybe its not carved, just some ... darker lines. Maybe wishful thinking, but I think I would've noticed that at least. I'll see.

stawick · August 20, 2026 1:04PM

I just got it back. Here's the actual coin, darker than the TVs so I can see why I missed any markings. If I get the light right I can kinda make it out on the neck, but not too bad.

I suppose if I ever send it to auction I can include a glove that doesnt fit and a Monopoly Get Out of Jail Free card. That should fetch something.
(...Too soon?)

-

stawick · August 20, 2026 1:07PM

Oh yeah - I got the Red PCGS box with this order. (different topic, I know)

JBN · August 20, 2026 2:04PM

Your half dollar appears to be Overton 113/Tompkins T-1. Rarity 6 in Parsley, Rarity 4+ in Tompkins.
ID via reverse - the position of tip of leaf is in-between the R&I.
Obviously a shame over the cleaning and graffiti - but your half dollar is rare.

COCollector · August 20, 2026 11:03PM

@JBN said:
Your half dollar appears to be Overton 113/Tompkins T-1. Rarity 6 in Parsley, Rarity 4+ in Tompkins.
ID via reverse - the position of tip of leaf is in-between the R&I.
Obviously a shame over the cleaning and graffiti - but your half dollar is rare.

.
Before I saw your post, I arrived at the same conclusions.

And I like the coin. Not a high-end example. But I've got several "details" bust half dollars that are keepers for their rarity.

BTW, does anyone know when the next Tompkins book (volume 2 of 4) is projected for release? I'd love to get on the pre-order list.

TallahasseeCoinClub · August 21, 2026 4:13AM

I would guess the OP coin to be worth at least $1500 even with the issues.

stawick · August 21, 2026 7:35AM

@COCollector said:

@JBN said:
Your half dollar appears to be Overton 113/Tompkins T-1. Rarity 6 in Parsley, Rarity 4+ in Tompkins.
ID via reverse - the position of tip of leaf is in-between the R&I.
Obviously a shame over the cleaning and graffiti - but your half dollar is rare.

.
Before I saw your post, I arrived at the same conclusions.

And I like the coin. Not a high-end example. But I've got several "details" bust half dollars that are keepers for their rarity.

BTW, does anyone know when the next Tompkins book (volume 2 of 4) is projected for release? I'd love to get on the pre-order list.

Thanks for the details, much appreciated. I had to google the Overton/Tompkins input ... I got some reading to do.
I appreciate owning a coin from when the country was only 29 years young.

I sent my other 19th century / early 20th in for grading - still waiting (7/1, still processing - economy). The only older coin I have is an 1804 1/2 cent, NOT in very good condition.

stawick · September 21, 2026 10:32AM

Sorry for resurrecting this up again.
Is it worth it to resend in for the Overton 113 attribution? I saw some of those on the PCGS labels on the linked auctions. I think its an interesting detail (news to me). It looks like $20 plus the resubmit fee. I may send it in with my next order in a month or 2.
Thx.

COCollector · September 21, 2026 12:35PM

@stawick said:
Sorry for resurrecting this up again.
Is it worth it to resend in for the Overton 113 attribution? I saw some of those on the PCGS labels on the linked auctions. I think its an interesting detail (news to me). It looks like $20 plus the resubmit fee. I may send it in with my next order in a month or 2.
Thx.

.
I wouldn't bother resubmitting for attribution -- especially if it's a keeper.

Even if you plan to sell, I think it's pretty common for unattributed Bust Half ad listings to include the Seller's attribution.

For example, all the Heritage Auction listings include attribution, even if the slab doesn't:
https://coins.ha.com/c/search/results.zx?si=2&dept=1909&live_state=5321&coin_category=2514&auction_name=60576&mode=live&page=25~1&ic4=Refine-Auctions-102615

PerryHall · September 21, 2026 1:43PM

It's not worth the expense un my opinion. You can take a fine tip Sharpie pen and neatly print "O-113" on the slab. Anyone who collects by Overton number can easily verify the veracity of your designation and those that don't collect by Overton number won't care. The Sharpie ink can be easily removed with some rubbing alcohol.

Finally getting around to getting some older coins graded - 1805 50c

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