What would you grade this bust half?

I am just not good at telling harsh cleaning from photos. To me the potential problems I saw were what you described on the reverse and the 5 dots above the date. I also saw its kind of dull luster, but do see evidence of luster in protected areas where it should be. I guess unless I am sure I don't mention it, or it could just be I am horrible from being able to be sure of cleaning from photos. Both of those things I saw, (and you pointed out Doug), could also be from the photo.

Just my opinion.

Chris

 

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Fair enough, but it is hard to be determinative. OP, I would take the half to another dealer and ask about these things. Either that or a collector who specializes in these. Photos can only take you so far, and until they have virtual 3d models of coins accessible on the web its impossible to know from a flat photo if these thigns are problems or not. Like I said, I have seen coins like yours where it was the toning that made it look like there is a problem when there is not one. A bad photo can make any coin look bad, just like a good photo can make a bad coin look good.

Chris

 

Based on the images, my grade guess is in the XF45 to AU50 range. Either way, I can't see it being worth more than $300, maximum.

My unsolicited opinion is that you should not be spending that type of money on uncertified coins.

 

I'll guess XF45. Any chance it's already in an NGC holder?

 

Thank you for weighing in guys. Looks like my lack of experience cost me on this one.

 

What's your exact address & work schedule? Maybe I could stop by & help.:devil:

 

wouldn't it have the four plastic "keepers" showing near the edge if in an NGC slab?

 

AU 53 nice lines & tone

 

AU 53 nice lines & tone

 

Thanks for the info GD, still learning about slab history. OT, but I really liked the old slabs with the picture, breif history, & population info included. Not sure which company though.

 

Does anyone see anything strange with Liberty's eyeball? I mean it''s black. I don't recall seeing many CBH with that sort of eye, and I've owned a bunch of them.

 

This is a classic case of more money than sense. If you are going to spend $400 dollars on a coin, you should know what you are buying. You should know the grade before hand and you should know if the price being charged is a fair price for that grade. Knowledge is power and if you have no idea what you are buying and how much it's worth ...you are looking to be taken to the cleaners. Never ever rely on the dealer to tell you what its worth ..he has rent to pay and will get every dollar he can for his stock. The more ignorant the buyer, the quicker he meets his expenses and the rest is just profit.

It pains me when people post on here looking for grades or asking if they got a good deal AFTER they have made the purchase. By then, the dealer has laughed his way to the bank and we all have to try to find a nice way to break the knews to the poor guy that he jusk got took.

 

Thank you for that sir. I congratulate you on never taking a loss on a coin. I suppose idiots like me are the fuel to the ethical dealer, that is laughing his way to the bank.

 

Yeah... looks like someone hit it with a Sharpie.

 

I think most of us have messed up, including Andrew. He's being harsh because he doesn't want this to happen to you again... being scolded via a public forum is something none of us like. A few years ago I posted a photo of a bust half I just purchased and was all excited about, until Doug pointed out it had been tooled. I felt like an idiot... but I remembered it, and learned from it.

 

XF details, cleaned, possibly tooled.

OP, word of advice; Buy the book before the coin. In other words, learn before you spend your money on stuff... you clearly have the money to build a nice collection, you just need to put some time into learning thoroughly about the coins and sets you wish to collect before you do so.

 

I don't think Andrew was being harsh. He was being straight up and on the money regarding his feelings. He also expressed his pain at having to tell collectors that they've paid way more than they should have. JCB, please do not take offence. Heck, I wish I got some advice back years ago about over paying for things. Everyone has done it and we all learn from our mistakes. You've learned something here in this thread. I know you'll be more cautious in the future, and whenever in doubt, consult some of the eminent experts in this forum. They are only here to help........