Hi, I just picked up my first 3 coins for collecting. I got them from a guy in town, but when I brought them home, I noticed some things that didn't look right. Do you think these are real? Thanks in advanced! 1917 Standing Liberty (Crack lower Right) 1854 0 Seated Half Dollar (Tiny Holes in both sides) 1913 Barber Half
that SLQ looks like deep scratches "X". how much did you pay for these ? would he buy them back if you are not happy with them ?
Thanks guys! I'm in $150 for all 3 coins. Any of them worth getting graded? Any idea why there would be those little holes in both sides of the seated half? The guy said he would be willing to take them back.
I can't comment on the authenticity, but both the halves appear to be harshly cleaned. The tiny holes are post mint damage as well. So unfortunately, they would not grade.
Off-hand, I don't think it was such a good deal. A scratch on a coin will reduce the value of the coin to melt value or slightly above unless it really is rare. The "little holes" you are refering to is simply one hole drilled through the center and then filled, probably with something like lead. This REALLY destroys the value of a coin. The Barber half is OK, but nothing great, I just bought four Barber halfs off of e-bay for less than $40 and they were each in better condition than what you got. Take a look on e-bay and see what even a newbie collector can get these type of coins for. By the way, welcome to CoinTalk, hang around.
All three are damaged and will be net or detailed graded I would not send them in for grading. 1917 type 1 25c X marks the damaged spot 1854-O 50c has those holes in it 1913 50c better date but took atleast two bad rim hits. These look to be a good coins for a filler only. These are problem coins that collectors will stay away from. Over time you will find that these are sold at a discount just so the dealers can get them out of their inventory.
I am sorry, but the only thing okay about that coin is the date. It is roached; take a took at the rim/edges, particularly at around 2:30. OP, All are damaged goods and as a whole are worth nowhere near what you paid. At best they're worth a small premium above melt, or about 25% of what you paid.
I'm agreeing with the rest of the group. All are problem coins that I would have paid no more than $50 for. If I were you, I'd take the dealer up on his return offer.
I would do a lot more research before buying anymore coins and take this first lesson as a learning experience and one not to repeat anytime soon. $150 for those 3 coins is pretty much being taken advantage of imo and if the person won't except returns I certainly wouldn't do business with them again .
If you really want to spend money on coins before reading/learning about them, try to find a seller you can trust. Buy slabbed coins (and only those w/o a details grading) and check the coin's book value prior to buying.
PS: beware of old coins that look nice and shiny, they have probably been cleaned. I have learnt that lesson myself and now I am looking more at a coin's color and it's surface...
Hey, Vinyx, stick around and check out some of the coins for sale on this site. Some of the people might be sarcastic and know-it-alls, but in general knowledgeable and honest people.
Respectifully disagree, your youth (even in collecting) is the time to make mistakes, for we learn much from our mistakes. Be careful and don't spend too much too quickly, but indulge your whims a bit.
