Can someone tell me if this is a common color on an 1808 half cent?

Longacre · May 30, 2007 2:54AM

I was taking a look at this coin. I am still having trouble with color on copper. Because I don't know much, my first impression was that this color looks a little off, and is not something that is desirable. But I am not sure whether this is a market-acceptable color for an 1808 cent. Does anyone have any opinions? I am not dissing the seller. I am just trying to continue to get a feel for color. Or should I go with my gut in that if I am second guessing it, then it probably isn't a coin I should consider?

STONE · May 30, 2007 2:56AM

Color looks a bit funky on the reverse. It may just be lighting that is the issue here, but it does look a little on the ashen side than a brown.

Just my opinoin.

Aegis3 · May 30, 2007 4:41AM

I'm not a fan of splotchiness.

mgoodm3 · May 30, 2007 4:48AM

That's not splotchiness. That's called MONSER TONING!!!

291fifth · May 30, 2007 4:49AM

Cleaned long ago, now mostly retoned. Common and not eye-appealing.

TheRegulator · May 30, 2007 11:59AM

These were my initial impressions, and after reading the description I'm sticking with them...

It looks like the faded tan color was the original color of the piece. It is not uncommon to see coppers of this color which have developed the brick red spotting or staining which is evident on this half cent. The areas which are a deeper brown appear to have rougher surfaces as well, with a patch of greater roughness behind the hair ribbon. I definitely do not believe that this piece has been cleaned/recolored. It just looks like it experienced some less than ideal storage conditions along the way. The color is probably not common, but is not unnatural.

What bothers me the most is the clip and apparent reverse rim damage (or part of the clip?). Otherwise, for a middle-grade early half cent, I kinda like it. I think the color and surfaces are much more attractive and interesting than the typical glossy, medium/dark brown copper.

But as you said- go with your gut and pass if it doesn't scream "buy me".

topstuf · May 30, 2007 12:09PM

I'd say cleaned and retoned. I don't like it.

nankraut · May 30, 2007 12:24PM

<< <i>Cleaned long ago, now mostly retoned. Common and not eye-appealing. >>

I agree with the above comment.

CarlWohlforth · May 30, 2007 12:29PM

My gut agrees with your gut. My motto is "don't fight the gut".

ziggy29 · May 30, 2007 12:30PM

If you're second-guessing it now, you'd second-guess your decision to buy it every time you looked at it. That's no way to enjoy coins.

grip · May 30, 2007 12:34PM

<< <i>If you're second-guessing it now, you'd second-guess your decision to buy it every time you looked at it. That's no way to enjoy coins. >>

Now you got it!!

LincolnCentMan · May 30, 2007 1:15PM

Nope. Cleaned and retoning.

-David

Can someone tell me if this is a common color on an 1808 half cent?

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