1793 half cent filler, which would you prefer to own?

Billet7 · January 23, 2009 4:38AM

These are both very, very low grade filler coins. The first one is PO1 in a PCGS holder, the other is not PCGS graded, but I am sure it is also a PO1. Considering all the factors, which one would you prefer to buy? Same price. Would your decision change if they were both PCGS graded or if they were both RAW? It seems to me that they both have their strengths, even at this miserably low grade. I would really appreciate some input. Thanks.

slipgate · January 23, 2009 4:41AM

Wow! Both are really poor. I can see something of a date on the 2nd and a good bit of reverse detaul, so that is what I would go with. But I'd probably buy them both.

OKbustchaser · January 23, 2009 4:43AM

I'm not real fond of either, but I would choose the second one. Both are heavily scaled, but the second still has a bit more detail.

commoncents05 · January 23, 2009 4:55AM

#2 for me.

-Paul

Shortgapbob · January 23, 2009 5:25AM

I'd pass on both personally. Coin 1 is about 10 days circulation away from being a disc and Coin 2 may not exist in 20 years.

edix2001 · January 23, 2009 5:27AM

Make up your mind already and send the other along to me.

shorecoll · January 23, 2009 5:57AM

2.

CoinJunkie · January 23, 2009 6:03AM

I wouldn't buy either, personally. And if you forced me, I don't see a lot of
difference in the two examples, so whichever was cheaper.

Edit: Actually, there is a bit more wreath detail on #2, so that's the one I'd
buy if I HAD to buy one.

Broadstruck · January 23, 2009 6:32AM

I'm not big on fillers... I'd rather have a hole then a coin that's a substandard to the rest of the overall collection.

If forced #2 as you could have a young child draw more detail with a brown crayon on a copper slug then #1 for far less!

pakasmom · January 23, 2009 7:07AM

Sorry Billet. But #2 is the only one of the two that I'd even want someone to GIVE me. I wouldn't buy either of them...

GrumpyEd · January 23, 2009 7:16AM

I'd hold out until I see coin 3.

If I was offered to take one for free I would go with #2.

tightbudget · January 23, 2009 7:17AM

Coin #2. Afterwards I'd soak it in olive oil.

JRocco · January 23, 2009 7:20AM

I like to see a date and would hold out and keep saving for a little better example for a filler.

BillJones · January 23, 2009 7:23AM

For my collection I would rather have nothing than either of these pieces. That's why I don't own a 1796-7 half dollar. The coin that I could afford when it was offered to me had the sharpness of Fair, and had been polished and holed all for $8,500. I would not have paid $1,500 for a piece of junk like that.

If you force me to choose I'd take half cent #2. The first coin is about as near nothing as you can get for one of these coins.

Billet7 · January 23, 2009 8:27AM

Wow there is some serious feelings with regards to these coins, like they are going to spit on you or something. Let me know if there is a nicer coin available for under $1000, I would love to buy it instead.

pakasmom · January 23, 2009 8:43AM

"like they are going to spit on you or something,"

No offense intended, Billet.

rld14 · January 23, 2009 9:00AM

#2 if there was a gun to my head. Personally I'd keep saving.

pcgs69 · January 23, 2009 9:04AM

I'd pick up #1, more wear but not as grainy.

ColonialCoinUnion · January 23, 2009 9:09AM

#1.

messydesk · January 23, 2009 9:38AM

At least the second has a reverse, so I'd reluctantly buy that one.

Billet7 · January 23, 2009 10:30AM

I'm sure there is no offense intended, I'm just suprised at the strong feelings.

MidLifeCrisis · January 23, 2009 10:38AM

I would save my money until I could afford a nicer one.

Patience is very difficult but very rewarding in this hobby.

CoinJunkie · January 23, 2009 10:43AM

<< <i>I'm sure there is no offense intended, I'm just suprised at the strong feelings. >>

Is either of those coins going to provide much viewing pleasure or pride of ownership? Odds
are that the coin will not be a great investment, either. I think a lot of people here agree
with me that buying a poor filler coin makes little sense.

But, if it makes sense to you, go for it!

MikeInFL · January 23, 2009 11:02AM

Of the two, I'd pick #1. Frankly, I think you should wait for #3 though. You should be able to find even an PO-1 that looks better with some patience. Respectfully...Mike

Mercury10c · January 23, 2009 11:11AM

#1, but here's some better advice. Unless you are dirt poor (in which case, find another hobby), or dirt cheap,
save your money and look for something better (higher grade).

doh · January 23, 2009 12:52PM

First one, better surfaces IMHO

RBinTex · January 23, 2009 12:55PM

#2 unless they start a P0 grade

lkenefic · January 23, 2009 1:03PM

I think I'm with the general consensus as well. I wouldn't buy either one frankly... the 1793 Half Cent facing left is a very important type coin and as such I'd hold off until I had the funds to buy one in F12 or better... granted you'll probably be paying 10x the price of the pieces you have here, but you'll have something you'll not tire of looking at any time soon.

If I HAD to buy one of these... it would be #2

L

coachleonard · January 23, 2009 4:17PM

Gee, are we talking about a putrid foot fungus or a rare, classic, first-year-of-U.S Mint-issue 1793 Flowing Hair Half Cent?? I guess I'm kinda weird, cuz I would actually (get this) PAY MONEY for either of them!

TwoSides2aCoin · January 23, 2009 9:41PM

Parents should never give children a choice about what they are getting to eat.

TwoSides2aCoin · January 23, 2009 9:44PM

P.S. The second piece of candy looks tastier

1Mike1 · January 23, 2009 9:45PM

Buy a replica if you want a filler.

TwoSides2aCoin · January 23, 2009 9:45PM

<< <i>Buy a replica if you want a filler. >>

Great Taste

joecopper · January 23, 2009 10:07PM

I would take #2 becaase you can at least see what it should look like (if a type coin that would take preference for me) although I do not like either.

I think that you would be better long term waiting and buying a better coin. If this is part of a half cent collection, sell all the others and buya nice G-VG if that is your grade range.

MisterBungle · January 23, 2009 10:39PM

Of the two, the second one is the best, but
I don't think you'll be happy with either
one of those in the long term.

~

TheRegulator · January 24, 2009 2:28AM

The first coin does nothing for me.

I actually really like the second coin. There is just enough there to get a good feel for the coin, no major damage, nice cameo color, and it has that look that just screams "old."

There have been some comments on looking at the investment angle. If you can get the second coin at a decent price, it should hold its value. Early copper is just insane and prices have just been steadily climbing.

coinnut86 · January 24, 2009 2:44AM

Being an amatuer history buff, (

) I actually like old coins in worn condition. I don't particularly know anything about half cents and I probably wouldn't have an album to fill with them but there are a couple reasons why I'd choose the second coin. First, I like the color of the second one best because it looks original. Second, obviously the design is stronger on the second one. Third, like I said, I wouldn't have an album full of them so it would likely be the only one I had and that said, I would be more apt to put it in a display with other 'relics' from that time period. If I went with the first coin, it would be in plastic and wouldn't fit it with the type of display I'd be looking for.

1793 half cent filler, which would you prefer to own?

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