Draped Bust advice

veryfine · June 27, 2008 4:23AM

I'm always shooting my mouth off about Standing Liberty Quarters being my favorite U.S. coin.
However, I've always been strangely drawn to Draped Bust coinage.
The historical context and "hand-made" look appeal to me. The problem is, I am a complete ignoramus when it comes to understanding this series.
I would love to own just one Draped Bust dollar as a type coin in Fine or VF, but I would also be satisfied with a half dollar.
Should I be patient and wait for the "perfect" coin, or be realistic and pounce on a decent coin with so called "original" color, average strike and a typical abundance of scattered marks?

In your opinions, what would be the perfect coin?
No rim bumps?
Well centered?
Even gray color or deeper around the edges?
Better strike with more marks or weaker strike with less marks?

Placid · June 27, 2008 4:25AM

Buy the one that you like the look of.

fishteeth · June 27, 2008 4:33AM

If you were looking for just one nice bust half I would wait for a perfect F-VF. These can be found with a little searching, be careful, many of the coins in plastic have been cleaned in the past.
Here is a nice looking VF20

Nysoto · June 27, 2008 4:39AM

If you are looking for one coin as type, look at many coins before you make your purchase, this may take a few months. They typically will not be found in any quantity or quality at local shows. Go to a regional or national show if you can. If not, searcj all the websites. Forget ebay, I look a couple of times a week for rare varieties, have only bought about 7 DBH's in 9 years on ebay. HLRC has a great selection of DBH's from some recent sales of large collections, they will be pricey. Go for a coin that is relatively well struck, even wear, few marks, and original looking. Draped bust is an enticing design that has kept my interest for many years

doh · June 27, 2008 4:57AM

The crustier the better. Also, strike is a huge issue. Some varieties come weakly struck, but if you're just looking for a nice type coin, find one with a nice strike and don't worry about the variety or rarity rating. My two cents.

Unknown · June 27, 2008 5:05AM

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jsf · June 27, 2008 5:17AM

"...the way they were made and or fine."

What?

ttown · June 27, 2008 5:27AM

Don't overlook the quarters they are high but rare in problem free condition. I've got drapped in G4- or AG3+ I love. I do lack the 1804 which is quite high in any condition but it's a cool series in all dominations IMO. I'm working on a Dansco and thank god it doesn't have the 1795 or 1823 so it's realistic set in AG3+ for the drapped bust, VG-VF in the large size, and VF/XF in the small size. Don't know if I'll ever make a dime off of them but they're keepers. I love full sets and this series is rather short from the drapped to capped.

rhedden · June 27, 2008 5:39AM

You are only looking for one coin. Both Bust Dollars and Bust halves are reasonably common as Type coins, if you are not searching for a specific date or variety. That means you can be extremely fussy and picky in choosing your coin! Make it a 6-month+ project, and study the market to see what is available at what price. When you are ready to make a decision, attend a large show and look for a "freshly bought" coin that screams "I am original!", and buy it in person. You'll know it when you see it. And don't buy something that sat on a website unsold for 1 month or longer. The key is to be patient and do your homework on prices and dealers, to get that one special coin with the old, authentic surfaces and patina, which you will never want to sell. You will find it if you take some time and make your decision carefully.

veryfine · June 27, 2008 6:37AM

Excellent advice everyone.

I really should haul my lazy derriere to a larger show. I'm in New York and used to go to the huge NYC shows that were few and far between.
Nothing compares to actually examining a coin in person before buying it. Yes, you can buy it online, stare at it, hate it, repackage it and send it back for a full refund, less postage. How annoying is that? VERY.

TomB · June 27, 2008 7:07AM

Take your time. Buy the perfect coin. Keep in mind Greysheet can be out to lunch on these coins. Pay a few dollars extra if needed. You will be quite happy.

doh · June 27, 2008 8:44AM

<< <i>I disagree, if certain varieties or die marriages come weakly struck then do not discount them, that is the way they were made and are fine. >>

If you were going to buy just one or two coins for type why would you want a weakly struck variety? The answer is: you wouldn't. If you were going to collect many of them or an entire date run, then sure you'd want as many varieties as you could get.

RogerRamjet · June 27, 2008 11:31AM

You do not mention if you have a "regular" dealer that you work with. If you do, ask their opinion and have them be on the lookout for you. They have connections and may be able to swing you a deal.

Plus, in working with a local dealer, you may be able to do as I did ... I picked up a 1806 Half in VF-35 and did it on layaway. I made payments on it for 6 months so instead of putting out all the money at once, I could pay a little every other week or so.

Unknown · June 27, 2008 3:25PM

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JoeLewis · June 27, 2008 3:34PM

How about this one? It looks great to me!

JoeLewis · June 27, 2008 3:36PM

I like this one too. VG8 is a slightly lower grade than you wanted though.

veryfine · June 27, 2008 4:57PM

JoeLewis,
For the most part, I like them both, but the "Fine" example has a scratch across the face that is a bit distracting. The VG one is nice but has too much wear, hence the appropriate grade.

veryfine · June 27, 2008 4:59PM

<< <i>If you were looking for just one nice bust half I would wait for a perfect F-VF. These can be found with a little searching, be careful, many of the coins in plastic have been cleaned in the past.
Here is a nice looking VF20

>>

Very nice fishteeth.

Unknown · June 27, 2008 5:23PM

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Draped Bust advice

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