Wondering if this Bust Half is worth the money they are asking. Its in an ANACS holder as EF 40 details, so its a rather nice coin, but they say its been polished. Does that seem like a huge issue for this particular coin? Im not afraid of 'details' slabs, but this is a series i am unfamiliar with and would like a nice example. What say you? Price will be about $100-$120. I personally really like the coin and think its a reasonably priced coin for the 'grade', i just dont want to get hosed. Book value is around $225 for EF-40, so im leaning towards picking this one up as a nice example for a young collection.
Im also realistic as well, this coin is 190 years old, its almost impossible to find something truly original and in good shape at that age.
This one was minted in 1364. It was graded, and correctly so, as MS64. And regarding that 1822 Bust half, even 10 years ago there had been over 500 of them graded AU and above by just NGC and PCGS with over 300 of those being graded MS and some as high as MS67.
To be fair though, Doug, your Flanders wasn't minted as a circulating coin, unlike the bust half. I'm sure some of our ancients collectors can post hundreds of pieces a thousand years older with similar circumstances. Guy
Duly noted guys, I guess it's time to wait and see what comes along. I appreciate all your advice and help
Most dates of Bust Halves are available in the XF to AU grades without problems. And even though they supposedly circulated most went from one bank to another threw there in use years as silver reserves. Part of the reason so many of them have survived this long.
Kinda sorta, but not really. Yes, the purpose of the coin being minted was to pay the ransom for the French King and all of the coins were supposed to be sent to the English to do that. But out of the several million of them minted, only 600,000 were ever sent to the English. The rest of the coins were put into circulation. So finding one in that condition, is not exactly easy. Especially that one since it is the finest known.
