Another Barber half - need grading opinions please

Casey · July 22, 2004 12:46PM

I got this one in the mail today but it's going back. It's a PCGS 1914-S. I'll save the grade until later. Not attractive at all. I was especially surprised at the grade on the slab. Let me know what you think the appropriate grade should be.

mojorizn · July 22, 2004 12:47PM

VF-35

mojo

Placid · July 22, 2004 12:49PM

Probably graded 40 maybe 45 if it has some original luster.

lordmarcovan · July 22, 2004 12:49PM

<< <i>Not attractive at all >>

I disagree. I don't think it's so bad. While it is not fantastic-looking, it ain't bad, either, for a circulated coin. Looks neutral to me.

Grade? I'd go with VF30, personally.

Cratylus · July 22, 2004 12:56PM

It's a definite VF30, possibly a VF35 (I'd have to see it in person to know for sure). Knowing PCGS, they probably gave it an XF40 grade. PCGS couldn't grade midgrade Barber Halves correctly or consistently to save their lives.

lordmarcovan · July 22, 2004 12:58PM

What he said. (The part about it probably being graded EF, that is.)

Sphinx357 · July 22, 2004 12:58PM

XF

ccex · July 22, 2004 12:59PM

An OK XF 40 or perhaps XF-45 coin. I would not send this back unless it was represented as AU or better and cost over $200.

What color is it in person?

oldcameoproofsguy · July 22, 2004 1:04PM

I think it looks like a 35.

Casey · July 22, 2004 1:10PM

The color is fairly accurately represented. PCGS gave it a 45! There has been a lot of good discussion on mid grade halves recently. For a series that is relatively "easier" to grade than many others, it's disappointing as a Barber collector to see and hear so many opinions of overgrading by PCGS.

There also seems to be a problem with the plastic on this slab. When you rotate it under the light, the coin shimmers like its underwater. Very strange - and no, it's not luster! It's definitely the plastic. You can even see the shimmer on the label. Maybe if I had it reholdered it would look like a 45!

I appreciate originality, but IMO this is not an attractive coin and is overgraded.

mojorizn · July 22, 2004 1:12PM

So what would your opinion be of the true grade with the coin in hand?

mojo

Casey · July 22, 2004 1:17PM

I would give it a 35+.

aussielover · July 22, 2004 1:35PM

I agree, would go VF35. Lower band doesn't look complete but that could be just the pic and wing tips not quiet complete either.

MFH · July 22, 2004 1:40PM

I also feel its a solid 35. Just shy of a 40.

Interesting observation Cary, I'll check out more PCGS XF's.

ARCO · July 22, 2004 1:57PM

What Mike said.

As a note Tom - when looking at XF coins, the Band under LIBERTY needs to be complete, and in addition I like to see COMPLETE wing feather detail on both wings on the reverse. Less than that, is detail robbery. LOL

Tyler

Dave99B · July 22, 2004 2:17PM

Casey, I've seen uglier Barber halves (take that junk Tyler unloads on eBay, for example).

But this one is clearly overgraded, and I imagine you paid XF $$$$. You're doing the right thing.

I would have guessed VF30, max....

Dave

relayer · July 22, 2004 2:26PM

35

Another Barber half - need grading opinions please

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