I know this series have a very devoted following...and I'm the first to admit I am not one of them. This series doesn't really interest me so I don't know much about them. I think I have 3 in my collection and I like them just because I like having a couple examples of different series. That said, I would like some opinions of this coin. If someone could let me know what they think this coin grades and an approximate value, I would really appreciate it. Also, I know there are a ton of different varieties with these...and again, I know nothing about that. So, any information would be wonderful.
Looks like an O-111. On obverse star 13 touches curl, recutting on star 1 and stars 1(lower half),7(between),8(lower half) and 13(between) line up with diagnostics on dentils. ON reverse AM,RI in America and ED(in united) are joined at bases. Also large left serif of first T in states touches curve of S. Plus broad recutting on 50C. As for grade I would probably put it at VF30. I think old cleaning and the hit on the shield slightly hurts it, but it is still a very nice coin. I will have to let someone else take a swag at the price - I put it around $100, but could be off.
VF seems about right but it looks to me like the coin has been improperly cleaned. Maybe it's the lighting but the bust appears to have harsh hairlines lines across it. Yet the fields look fine as does the reverse. So maybe in hand it is different. $100-150 is about right, I'd guess. Capped bust halves do have a strong following. Maybe some of the most interesting Mint history for our young country. They're not for everyone, of course. I think it's great you have a few examples and maybe someday you'll discover their allure. Lance.
I agree with you, I think this coin does have a light old cleaning. My understanding is with capped bust halves, this is extremely common and isn't looked upon as badly as it is for other series. Is that actually true? The hairlines on the obverse are there but are very faint in hand. I do think it had a light cleaning years ago.
I think it is extremely common - the question is how harsh in hand? You say it is faint in hand then I would probably find it acceptable if I was adding it to my bust album.
This one is faint in hand, but you can see it. I wouldn't say it is detracting from the coin. I have an 1818 that is detracting. Also, is the O-111 a common variety?
It is an R-3 variety according to my book. Can't really say if it is a tough R-3 or easy R-3. Seems like sometimes in bust halfs you will see the same R-3 variety all the time for a date, then other R-3 varieties you seldom see for a date.
