I would have bought it - and the premium between an AU 58 and a MS 62 is minimal - because you can't find AU 58's. I started my collection with purely AU coins - tried to stay with AU 55- 58 ... and if I couldn't locate one in that range, I'd opt for a MS 63-65. I would rather have an AU 58 over a MS 62 any day of the week - and recently, AU 58's are commanding larger premiums than MS 62's. Soon, these "62's" you're referring to will be broken out and resubmitted with a minimum grade requested of AU 58. I'm only reporting the trend I have seen recently - especially because of PCGS's "Everyman's Collection" Registry.
My thoughts exactly. The 1900 looks a bit too shiny....possibly/probably cleaned to the point where it looks polished, judging by the glare of the light.....not trying to offend. I do like the looks of the others.
Collector1966 - I thought we were discussing Barbers - and more specifically, Barber Quarters. I collect SLQ's as well. I like AU 55's and 58's - I love them with FH's or close to it. I assemble and resell MS sets as well - and I look for as much head on Liberty as I can find without paying premium pricing. I have a few common dates in FH - and thats' ok with me - but I no longer go for the ultra rarities in high grade with a FH. My best set contained a 1926-D & 1926-S - both in NGC 66 FH - and I sold them almost immediately and replaced them with [26-D] PCGS 63 FH and [26-S NGC 65 ] cross to PCGS 64 with almost a FH. The money left over paid for a 27-S in 64. Other interests include Capped Bust Dimes and Reeded Edge Halves. I'm strictly an AU kind of guy in these series. I also like DMPL & PL Morgans - and Proof Seated Dimes, Quarters and Halves and have a modest collection of these - plus Liberty Head Nickels. You have to realize that I have been collecting since 1960 and have dabbled in almost every series except Early Halves, Dollars and Gold. Now that I am retired, I just like to "play with my coins" and now assist a friend at his table at all the major coin shows around the country.