A Barber half to drool over

I quite appreciate the honesty and welcome all comments, good and bad. I have seen the splotchy toning look before and know that it can come from a past dip and residue. I also know that those colors take time to develop naturally which would make the dipping probably more that 30 years old, which I don't mind,if it was indeed dipped, plus like I said before, how often do you run across a high grade barber.

 

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Really?

So you think this coin was dipped?

 

That is gorgeous!

 

Stunning piece Leadfoot.....

 

Leadfoot, that proof is very attractive, but it has a completely different look. It does not look spotty, like the first coin. Your blues are much smoother, and look much more natural.

 

Leadfoot, I'm not a fan of toning, but I have to say that Barber is gorgeous.

 

That is a proof coin which develops toning in a much different fashion than mint state coins. Cobalt blue is almost the norm for early proofs. This knowledge lessens the chances that the coin has been dipped but there still is a very good possibility that it has been dipped. I assume you have not owned it since 1905 and don't know for sure. How do you explain the spotting in fields?

Furthermore, I don't know why everyone is in an uproar over my comments. Secondary toning after a dip is not considered AT and many collectors actually find the look attractive. I don't because I am not crazy about the color scheme.

BTW, that is a great photo, did you take it?

 

I can't explain it other than to note that there are a number of original proof sets that show this very same coloration (splotchy red/blue/violet). However, as you point out, since the coin has not been in my posession since the time it was minted, and my coin does not have a tracable provenance, there's no way to really be sure. You also make a good point about proof coins toning differently than mint state coins.

That said, the point of my posting the coin was to suggest there are original coins that have this coloration and it is not necessarily indicative of a secondary toning.

Yes, I did. Thank you. This was one of the coins rephotographed after I upgraded cameras from the D100 to D300.

Take care...Mike

 

Regarding the original post and coin :

Does it show luster underneath the tone ? A coin with that much detail should have plenty of cartwheel (or PL) luster.

In any event, the Great Debate about originality / dippishness should have no bearing on your enjoyment of the coin. I like the look myself. If the coin lacks luster, however, it was probably dipped at one time. That should have an effect on price both buying and selling.

 

Nice of the dealer's daughter to show you some of their new stuff. Yes, it is a nice coin.

The idea of filling your album sounds extra special. How do you plan to celebrate? Buy a new album?

 

It is quite tough to find Barber coinage that has any significant amount of meat left on the surfaces. When I put together my own VF set of Barber half dollars, the 1897 was oddly the last of the P-mint coins for me to obtain. It was simply a beast.

Regarding the issue of the coin's surfaces, well, I also agree that it has been dipped. However, I do not think that physics-fan3.14 or Lehigh96 were being negative about the coin. Rather, I think they were both being honest in their evaluation of the surfaces and were sharing their knowledge in the event that the owner might not have realized that this coin was likely dipped in the past. The secondary toning looks original so I can imagine that this coin was dipped long ago and then put into an envelope or album without any ill intent.

Lastly, proof coinage generally tones in a manner that is not the same as business strike coinage. Part of the reason for this is no doubt the storage conditions for proof coinage and the proof pieces of this era were many times stored in velvelt lined trays that imparted deep blues, violets and reds on the coins. These trays were also made of glue and wood or acidic papers and these contents tended to influence the toning over the years, too.

By the way, good work in finding a Barber half with that much meat.

 

Welcome to the forum Tom. I think we're gonna love havin' you here.....:smile

 

Now this really is a treat. Tom B has joined the Cointalk forum. Your comments regarding my intent are dead on. Please start and introduction thread so that we can properly welcome you to the forum.

Paul

 

Howdy and thanks. It has taken me so long to post on CT because my user name on the other forums was taken on this site by someone several years ago and then they never posted. Essentially, my user name was blocked. I decided to finally post after registering this one more than two years ago.

 

You really must post on the "into" forum. We'd all love to meet you.....

 

I hear this Tom guy has some nice coins.

 

Very nice coin. I like the toning. It is different than I've seen before.

 

Can I have it when you're done with it?

 

I am in the dipped category on this Barber as well. Regardless it is a decent looking coin.

 

Calling Toms coins “nice” would be an understatement. He has a fantastic eye for the best coins , his collection is remarkable to say the least.

Nice Proof Barber Leadfoot – I love that look .