Grading Barber Halves
chiefbob
Posts: 1,077 ✭✭✭
I bought a Barber half on the Bay last week, and it's in a PCGS holder labeled VG08. What surprised me, though, was that I can't see any letters in Liberty at all, even with a 10x loupe. It's my understanding that at least 3 letters must be visible for a VG grade.
I also bought some others, raw, that were listed in VG condition. I know how the pics on eBay aren't the best and it's hard to see the Liberty letters anyway unless it's a real closeup shot. They look exactly the same as the slabbed, with full rims and some only have a partial letter.
Is the VG grade for Barber halves a gray area? Is the "3 letters visible" rule a hard and fast one?
Thanks,
Bob
I also bought some others, raw, that were listed in VG condition. I know how the pics on eBay aren't the best and it's hard to see the Liberty letters anyway unless it's a real closeup shot. They look exactly the same as the slabbed, with full rims and some only have a partial letter.
Is the VG grade for Barber halves a gray area? Is the "3 letters visible" rule a hard and fast one?
Thanks,
Bob
Retired Air Force 1965-2000
Vietnam Vet 1968-1969
Vietnam Vet 1968-1969
0
Comments
Yes, I have a PCGS VG08 Barber Quarter with two whole letters and two half letters (three total). I also have a PCGS G06 Barber Half which has one full letter.
It should be 3 letters or 2 letters and 2 partial letters.....
I see alot of coins selling for "VG" grade that I would not call VG.....
Connor Numismatics Website
If possible, a pic would be great. It would be interesting to see the overall general detail of the this example.
BTW, is it an O-mint by any chance?
Dave
I'm still learning how to grade Barber Halves since my recent acquisitions. Is it normal to have to use a scope to see the letters? Maybe I need Lasik surgery!
Dave: no, not an O mint.
Vietnam Vet 1968-1969
Appears to qualify as 3 letters.....