Here's an 1806 Bust Half that I am planning to submit through bkozak33's PCGS submission next week. Before doing so I would like to get some opinions as to the likelihood of it grading problem free. I have 3 concerns: 1. Overall surfaces. There are some hairlines visible under the right lighting and I'm not sure what is market acceptable these days with PCGS. 2. Obverse spotting (around 3 o'clock). From what I can see they have not not affected the surface. 3. The gouge between B and E in Liberty. Not sure if it is PMD? If it does end up in a details holder would it sell for more than if it was raw? Lastly, I noticed the "T" in Liberty shows doubling. Is this a diagnostic for a specific Overton variety? Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
I don't think the gouge is too bad as it is out of the main area of interest. Unless the hairlines are pronounced it should grade although the spots may hold it back by a few points. No help on overton from me. The T looks like a repunch.
The gouge is PMD. The doubled T is a specific Overton Pointed 6, stem thru claw. Obverse 6 (doubled T) Reverse K O-115 R-1 Nice piece
The surfaces look good enough to slab. I don't see strong hairlines, and if it was cleaned then it was a very long time ago. The spots are minor, and shouldn't keep it from grading. The gouge, however, is strongly unattractive. It would prevent me from buying the coin - but I've seen worse in slabs. Its really 50/50 whether it would get in. And yes, the coin will sell for more in a details slab than it would raw - for the simple fact that people will trust that it is genuine. With the number of fakes out there, a guarantee of authenticity goes a long way.
I like the overall look of the coin presented by the OP. The spots aren't too bad and the hairlines don't show up well at all in the images, but that gouge makes the coin a toss-up, in my opinion, to get a clean certified grade.
There are far worse places that gouge could be. I'd say it would probably grade, but not a sure thing.
Since it's toned over it doesn't look that bad in hand. The magnification really makes it jump out. A while back I bought a Bust Half in problem free PCGS holder (one of the new shaded ones) that was just covered with rim dings. From the photos I wasn't sure if it was PMD and gave it the benefit of the doubt since PCGS graded it, but when I saw it in hand I was sadly disappointed so I sent it back. Hopefully those same graders will grade my coin just before 5PM on a Friday afternoon lol... I really appreciate everyone's feedback and will be sure to post the results.
