A re-engraved 1868-S half dime on eBay - a heads up.
MrHalfDime
Posts: 3,440 ✭✭✭✭
This 1868-S Liberty Seated half dime is currently available on eBay, for a mere opening bid of $149.00:
http://cgi.ebay.com/1868-s-Liberty-Seated-Half-Dime_W0QQitemZ120172390623QQihZ002QQcategoryZ149930QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
What the lot description fails to mention is the severe re-engraving on the obverse, on the gown, Miss Liberty's lap, and even on the shield. It was common practice to use these San Francisco Mint half dimes as buttons during and after the Civil War, and this coin may have been so used, with an eyelet or loop soldered to the obverse. The eyelet has been removed, and someone has attempted to re-engrave the obverse details without much luck (or artistic talent). Armed with that knowledge, bidders should be wary of bidding on, or certainly paying such a high price for, a coin that has essentially lost all of its numismatic value from such practices.
http://cgi.ebay.com/1868-s-Liberty-Seated-Half-Dime_W0QQitemZ120172390623QQihZ002QQcategoryZ149930QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
What the lot description fails to mention is the severe re-engraving on the obverse, on the gown, Miss Liberty's lap, and even on the shield. It was common practice to use these San Francisco Mint half dimes as buttons during and after the Civil War, and this coin may have been so used, with an eyelet or loop soldered to the obverse. The eyelet has been removed, and someone has attempted to re-engrave the obverse details without much luck (or artistic talent). Armed with that knowledge, bidders should be wary of bidding on, or certainly paying such a high price for, a coin that has essentially lost all of its numismatic value from such practices.
They that can give up essential Liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither Liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin
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Comments
seller has perfect feedback, any chance the seller doesn't know?
<< <i>Sent an email to the seller. >>
Ditto.
Recipient of the coveted "You Suck" award, April 2009 for cherrypicking a 1833 CBHD LM-5, and April 2022 for a 1835 LM-12, and again in Aug 2012 for picking off a 1952 FS-902.
<< <i>It looks like the seller pulled the auction. >>
I just got this messege in response to my email to the seller.
"I am pulling it off eBay and sending it to ANACS so they can tell me what is wrong with it. I can not see what everyone is talking about. Thanks"
<< <i>
<< <i>It looks like the seller pulled the auction. >>
I just got this messege in response to my email to the seller.
"I am pulling it off eBay and sending it to ANACS so they can tell me what is wrong with it. I can not see what everyone is talking about. Thanks" >>
with his great feedback, that's the response I expected.
<< <i>It would appear that the seller was not aware of the re-engraving, and was not trying to deceive. >>
Don't be so sure. Scammers frequently claim ignorance when they get caught.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
<< <i>2371 sales with 100% positives, doesn't fit my idea of a scammer. >>
He may have made a mistake when buying this coin and is trying to unload it so he isn't left holding the bag. Or not. I don't know but I wouldn't want to assume one way or another based on the little information available.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
If you look at "S" mint H10c from the 1860's, there are a relatively high percentage (10-20% ?) that used to be buttons, and now have some damage or re-engraving on one side. If the "work" was done well, it may not be totally obvious at first, so examine any such coins carefully before purchasing, especially if the photos aren't the greatest.