The details look decent - some concern over the "s" on STATES, but with an internet image search I came across some similar stamped ones. Any input would be appreciated.
Looks like a 50 or just shy thereof to me. Definitely worth submission for authentication and grading. Very nice piece!
Thank you. Hope I don't get the "search the forum" reply after this question, but: would it be easier to go though a local dealer to have sent in for grading or to send it in myself?
Also, if it grades at 50, what would it be worth? I still working on finding a good pricing book/site, but leaning toward greysheet.com.
Since the grading question pertains to "easier" I would say have a local dealer do it for you, especially for just one coin.
This appears to be LM-5. It's rarity 1 - a common die variety. There are many conclusive diagnostics, but one of the things most conspicuous is the "filled letters". As the die eroded, portions of the letters became "blobby", most notably the last S in STATES. There are several others. Another conclusive die marker is the letter R in AMERICA; notice how it's tail is slightly higher than the lower left serif in I. Also distinctive - the hollow stars.
I think it would go AU50; greysheet lists such at $175. XF money is $125. It's hard to tell from the photos whether or not it's been cleaned. My guess is it's been dipped. Does it have any luster ?
900fine- thank you for the details on the die info and to everyone else for the helpful input. I'll try to get more pics up this weekend ( is there a good way to show luster in a coin photo)? ... Well back to work...
Here are some more pics, does looked cleaned at some time (appears to have small amt of wear in flat areas). Would this be rejected by a grader as "cleaned"... worth even sending it in?
I would expect this coin to grade "Cleaned" or "Genuine". I've got an 1829 Bust Dime that is VERY similar to your Half Dime. It's on the windowsill re-toning!
I'm still new at this so I've got a few more questions: -How does a "genuine"/"cleaned" grade affect value? -Is this a situation where the coin would come back from a grader without a decent holder? -Why is it called a half dime instead of nickel?
These are my opinions regarding your questions. 1. Depends on the severity of the cleaning. In the condition your coin is in, I'd value it around $80. If it were problem-free and in AU condition: $180. 2. Well, yes if you consider a details grade or genuine holder not decent. It's not worth submitting for grading at this point. 3. Half Dimes are silver 5-cent coins. "Nickels" refer to the metal content. 5 cent pieces containing the metal nickel are referred to as "nickels".
Thanks FishyOne. I was hoping the value wasn't completely toasted - I'll probably just throw it in a 2x2 for now.
