Where to start evaluating (1929 half dollar)

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by ripple, Feb 15, 2020.

  1. ripple

    ripple Active Member

    I’m interested in building a collection of these Depression era pieces and I was interested in what the points were to look at on these. I’ve been looking at several just to compare and I bought this one to practice on. I enjoy these worn old coins and the stories they would tell if they could. I know the pics aren’t great, something else I’ve got to practice on.
     

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  3. Santinidollar

    Santinidollar Supporter! Supporter

    What are you going to practice?
     
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  4. ripple

    ripple Active Member

    As I said in the title, evaluating these coins.
     
  5. Pickin and Grinin

    Pickin and Grinin Well-Known Member

    Evaluating or learning to grade them?
     
  6. longshot

    longshot Enthusiast Supporter

    I am far from a Walker expert, but to get a ballpark grade on a circulated coin I look here first - the line under Liberty's bust. You can compare to photograde.
    20200215_110257.jpg
     
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  7. ripple

    ripple Active Member

    @longshot, thanks. I’ve been looking at it like a 4 piece pie and not as much near the middle so that line you mentioned helps a lot. I’ve been comparing the sunshine with other pics but I’m not sure if it’s as important.
     
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  8. Pickin and Grinin

    Pickin and Grinin Well-Known Member

    Find some MS examples to look at. On the obverse the hand is the highest point.
    even some MS examples do not have a full hand, the next area to take wear is the front leg, and the tips of the breasts..In MS examples the leg is defined with some lined detail in Liberty's robe. You see where I am going right?
    Then look at the Luster on the high points and field. If there is complete luster on the coin, even with weak details on the high points, the coin is still in MS.

    I wish I could say the grading only becomes easier from there.
    Here is coin facts, It won't give you a grading lesson on each grade but there are high definition photos and auction results that will help you see the grade given by PCGS and NGC.

    It is a toss up for me between Walkers and Buffalos as to which is the hardest to grade.
     
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  9. ripple

    ripple Active Member

    Thanks a lot @Pickin and Grinin, I didn’t know the hand was the high point. I’ve been looking at alot of pics just to try and find differences. I’ve got some buffalos so I’ll start paying closer attention there as well.
     
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  10. Pickin and Grinin

    Pickin and Grinin Well-Known Member

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