The listing states that coinstudy.com rated this coin as worth at least $64 in Good condition and $167 in Fine. Which is it? http://www.ebay.com/itm/230775683298?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1586.l2649#ht_2195wt_1348
I'm no coin grader, but that coin is so worn it looks like someone took a belt sander to the face. Heck, it's worn enough that if I were buying it for silver content, I'd weigh it instead of paying based on face value. I can't believe the seller (who seems like he is a dealer) is claiming it is in great condition.
It's worth roughly .25 cents to me. If I were to go for a key date, I would at least consider one in Fine condition and up. Barber coinage is so much more attractive when you have some of the marquee devices visible, like the letters in liberty, the leafy crown, the feathers on the reverse and the legend on the ribbon.
The obverse would probably grade "good". The reverse, however, would be AG-3. Thus, a grade of G-4/AG-3. Note the phrase: "Assuming it is in good condition". I'd pass on this one.
He could have also said coinstudy.com values the 1897-S Barber Quarter at $644 in XF but that wouldn't mean the quarter is XF either.
I would agree with the AG 03 or less grade. The reverse is horrible and the obverse has tons of scratches, the only good thing about that coin is its little over half-million mintage but it's worth less than the $49.99 starting bid.
Subjective grading Grading is subjective, but I've seen TPG grade comparable coins as G4. I personally would grade the coin as having a Good grade Obverse because of the full rim with separated legend, and less than About Good (Fair) grade Reverse. I believe the average condition of this certified coin with a partial rim is similar: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1912-US-Barber-25c-PCGS-G4-/270957628702?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item3f16554d1e I personally would continue searching for a better specimen. JMHO :thumb:
