Two new additions to my early seated New Orleans collection, a dime and half dime. The first is an 1838-O Half Dine, the coin is low grade and has unfortunately a few scrapes and nicks, but it is a scarce issue and the first half dime of the New Orleans mint. I normally would not pick-up a coin with such problems, but this example is not so bad as they come and it has nice original toning besides being historical and scarce. The second is an 1849-O Dime. A better date in the series after the 1843-O and the 1845-O. A pretty coin with much luster and nice toning. Let me know how you guys would grade this one. As mentioned, the coin has plenty of luster but I am just unable to properly capture it in my photos. Thanks!
@longshot, thank you for your opinion on the grade of the 49' O. I have some difficulty grading seated coinage above EF40 or so, and your opinion may well be correct. I would hope a little higher maybe due to the luster? BTW, this is the veriety with large mintmark. @CoinCorgi, that is truly a nice example of the 1838-O half dime. Few people realise how scarce this coin becomes in grades above VG or so, and without problems. Yours is a very nice example. (I do have a second example (yes, I like this date) in VG10 which is slabbed. If I get a chance I will like to upgrade to a full VF).
The 38 O is one who still eludes my collection,mintage of 70,000 so a difficult find for sure,esspecially in vf or better.
I would be happy with EF45, even more with AU50. It was a lucky find and am glad I went for it. Next on my list is an '45-O.
Sad story. I have an 1849 small O dime that was MS-60. I bought it from Bowers 23 years ago and left it in the auction holder. The PVC killed the coin. Way too late for acetone to save the coin. Big lesson for me.
Really sorry to hear that.....I also bought many coins from Bowers and Merena between 1986 and 1996. The first 2-3 years kept them in their original holders, but soon transferred them, first to 'Eagle' holders, then to Intercept shields. I am glad I did that. Did the same for coins I bought from Stacks and Goldbergs.
Wow, Eduard! I have an affinity for the 1849o date because I have enjoyed attempting to variety collect this date for at least the past 5 years. I can say with confidence that strike issues plague most issues of this date....not yours! Basically full stars, nice head/hair detail, a full sandal line and look at the wreath on the reverse...what a coin! On top of this the coin looks to be in an amazing preservation state as well with choice original surfaces. In my opinion, the rarity of this date in this condition with this level of originality and such a full strike is through the roof. Now if only it had some reverse rotation as a cherry on top...