Is this coin at least a G-4?

I picked up this 1909s Barber half at an estate auction yesterday. I am pretty new to coin collecting and definitely new at trying to grade myself.

What I wanted to know was, does the darkening of this coin degrade it below G-4? I have my ANACS book of grading coins and it seems to qualify for at least a G-4 in all other aspects.

Also, regarding the color of this coin, is the darkening a form of toning or is it called something else?

Sorry, another question. What resolution is best on a scanner to display coins the best on this forum?

Thanks in advance.

 

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I don't know this series very well, but I'm thinking the way the rim blends into the letters on the reverse AG 3-G 4. It almost looks like the coin was in or near a fire.

 

I agree AG-3 to G-4. Unusually I scan at 400 dpi and that seems to work really well.

 

I was thinking the same thing about a fire. Would a professional cleaning be an option or would that make it worse?

 

It really would'nt be worth it... It's only a $25 coin in G-4...

 

I have some Mercury Dimes that look like this from sitting in an old coffee can for years.

 

I wouldn't recommend getting it conserved, it would cost you more than the coin is worth. What you may want to do is 1) Keep it and start a collection if you like those, or 2) if you don't care for that one, take it to a coin show and see if you can trade for something else

 

A Sure Winner!!

Your coin is a sure winner for a G-4 grade, as defined by both the illustrated and photograde A.N.A. GRADING STANDARDS. At the correct time/date/TPG, may even grade G-6, as this example of lesser quality shows:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PCGS-G-6-1913-p-Barber-Half-Dollar-Low-Mintage-188K-/350477945660?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item519a1d0b3c
(which I'd grade G-4 Obverse, AG-3 Reverse). Your coin has additional L****** letter-partial others which often allows VG grading (see eBay TPG VG graded Barber halves).

I have similar condition Barber coins which have "toned" naturally. I've been tempted to "dip," as I perceive many of the TPG graded coins have, but elect to retain in the natural condition which most declare preferable.

If you peruse the eBay TPG graded coins, you will find "Mint State" graded coins without luster having similar "toned" appearance. I would venture a guess as with the specimen linked, it would depend on the TPG, who was grading, the time and day of the week, as to whether the "toning" would affect/effect a grade (coin may be graded lower, or returned ungraded/genuine). :thumb:

 

"GEM" Quality?

As to your question whether the coin "Toning" will affect grading, I'll let others decide after viewing this "mint state" TPG certified coin which some consider/advertise as "GEM" in this certified grade. A grade which although undefined in A.N.A. GRADING STANDARDS, exceeds MS63 quality that is defined in Photograde as: "A mint state coin with attractive mint luster"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1915-D-PCGS-MS64-BARBER-HALF-DOLLAR-50C-FD103-/380366624436?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item588f9e16b4
:thumb: