I just picked this up and wanted ya'lls opinion. I've been looking for my first seated for awhile. It's also raw which is rare of me, especially on eBay. As always It has a return so if y'all think I goofed I can return. http://www.ebay.com/itm/360474123711?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 Thanks.
I am not too fond of the porous nature/Environmental damage. Looks dug to me. I don't think it would ever grade. JMO.
You should be able to find a common date seated liberty half in VF25 for about $50 and an EF for about double that amount. Here is a link depicting those grades: http://coinauctionshelp.com/how_to_grade_seated_dollars.html The Ebay coin net grade is below VF25 IMO. Also, there is detail in the hair that is indicative of a higher grade coin but apparent wear on the legs & body that would correspond to a lower grade coin. That is strange for a genuine coin but it might have been dug as previously mentioned. When you receive it, see what it weighs (without voiding your return policy).
Just curious, what do you mean by environmental damage and dug. I know there is toning and general damage that occures over time from the environment. But in this case what are you looking at? Thanks.
Bobby is a good buddy + also run CCF coin forum. but his photo maybe to dark but a nice uncleaned looking seated half. :smilepost a new set of photos when you get the coin.:thumb:
Environmental damage usually refers to a coin that has been buried for a while, the elements, the acidity of the soil corroding the surfaces of the coin. This one looks like it was a metal detecting find, the coin exhibits the natural pitting in the fields to warrant being buried. It is a nice VF details coin, probably was an AU or MS piece before being lost in the dirt for over 100 years.
Ok, thanks slot kook! And jello thank you for the encouragement! I'll definitely get more of a feel once it's in hand.
No problem, you didn't do too badly for the price. A true high VF, like a 30 or 35 is a $75 coin. So you did okay :thumb:
This is not damage caused by toning. Sorry for being so blunt in the beginning. I would start out getting them previously graded, or just looking at many graded examples before going in on a raw coin.
Compare these to your new coin Hello tdogchristy90 Follow this link to view 33 different 1877 half dollars in VF condition (at Heritage Galleries). http://www.ha.com/common/search_results.php?Nty=1&Ne=1897&N=790+231+51+373+64+4294967103 Please let me know how this link works for you.
With all due respect, no... the coin is worth nowhere near what he paid and he will never get as much out of it unless passed on to another newbie. This is a very common, easily obtainable date, so there is no reason to settle for anything less than a no-problem, gradable example. Even if cost is an issue, simply settle for a slightly lesser grade or another common date if he just wants a type coin. The OP would be wise to return the coin, continue his search elsewhere, and consider a certified example.
$50 might've been a tad too high. I do think it's an ok "learning experience" type coin if you don't decide to return it or anything like that. I suggest looking at many original, (not cleaned or damaged) examples in hand. Starting out with getting some examples that are already graded might also be the way to go, as others have suggested.
I agree with Books and Hull--whatever the source of the damage,it is a problem coin. It certainly isn't remotely close to EF, and would not be a candidate for a slab, unless one wanted it in "VF details" plastic. As a type coin, one can do much better. The toning isn't overwhelmingly attractive for the type--a wee bit dark and murky. Lots of nice non-problematic coins out there.
That was the point of the link I posted to 33 other 1877 VF examples. I must admit that in earlier times, I also purchased similar problem seated half dollars. I did this because the coins were basically made available to me at a price I could afford & I needed the types for my collection. I didn't shop around & search the best example before I committed to each purchase. (I do have more restraint today ). Recently someone here referred to this spent money as tuition we spend on our own numismatic education. I know that I have spent my fair share of tuition money.
Unfortunately, the coin is severely corroded. That is strong money for a piece with this negative surface feature.
