Almost reminds me of those "salt water damaged" coins recovered from the SS Central America shipwreck...
I realize it might be all salt water damaged to heck and back, but the general feel of the piece reminds me of some counterfeit pieces.
You and the dealer have seen it in-hand and know much more about it in that regard than I do so I find no fault in your decision.
I know nothing about half dollars, but does it look like an 1875 in hand instead of 1873? Because no matter how much I look at that picture, I keep seeing a 5... I know that probably has nothing to do with its significance, but I'm just checking
...you are not alone my friend, I to know nothing about this series and that looks like a 5 and not a 3
That doesn't look like shipwreck salt water damage to me. I haven't seen any shipwreck recovered coins have that much damage and distortion. Search "SS Republic half dollars" in google images and see what I mean. I guess it could be salt water damage, but I would think it would have to be combined with another damage source, such as continuously being eroded by moving sand on a beach. P.S. It is an 1875
Am I the only one that thinks this coin is heat damaged? It looks like it's been through a very hot fire, then cleaned.
