Grade opinions on this 1835 capped bust half

It looks more like an impression from another coin or possibly a Clash to me! There is also some type of corrosion and dirt in the area which masks whatever it is or could be scorching from a Silver Smith's torch?!

If the possibly damage or repair is just an optical illusion, then i would say the coin is AU-50!


The Other, Other Frank

 

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You very well may be correct, but I suspect what you're seeing is jpeg compression doing strange things to some chatter that's been toned over or just an area of uneven toning. It has that odd look of compression artifacts to me.

In any event, does Zane have this coin in-hand so as to confirm or rebuke our theories? This one's got my interests piqued...Mike

 

Sorry, I just can't seen anyone tooling this common date half which already has an obvious amount of wear. The work done wouldn't increase the value of the coin that much from AU-55 to AU 58. BTW, there is vastly too much wear to carve a MS issue out of it. One must keep in mind before the alleged additional artwork the coin was already near it value ceiling.

I just don't see anything wrong with the coin, all the other HIGH features (*on the obverse) are strong and sharp, this coin was obviously struck with a NEW DIE and like all the other CBHs the bust is extremely high from the surface of the coin thus the deep impressions of the hair (*which also account for the weak banners on the reverse). Steam and Horse powered presses were used during this period so as you can imagine the amount of pressure on applied on planchets varied significantly.

As far as the swirls and and unusual patterns of toning well one must realize this coin is 180 years old and anything could have happened to it could have been in any type of unpleaseant enviroment. Maybe raindrops, maybe grease or oil who knows... Also again, why would an individual go to the elaborate effort to plug a common date half?

I'm sorry I just don's see the problems in a picture.

Thanks for listening to my rant
Ben

 

Ben:
Thanks for the comments, at least I am not alone in my not seeing anything.

 

Well I do see something---but I can't say that I see letters?....
Hey Zane---any chance of a larger photo from that area?

Speedy

 

Hey Speedy no harm meant, just messing with ya. But, I couldn't resist. :hug: :hug:

Take Care Buddy
Ben

 

!!!
You have me dead to rights officer LOL!!!

Speedy

 

LOL :mouth: :mouth: :mouth:

 

Guys, I don't have it in hand yet.

Doug, when I first saw the coin, I thought it might be slightly corroded in that area. After looking at your blow up, it does appear that some metal is missing, and it could well be graffitti, as it looks like 3 or so letters to me. I'll update and hopefully get a better picture when it gets here.

Even if it does have graffitti, I still got a good deal on the coin, so will be happy nonetheless.

 

HI GD, I know this is an old post, but I did spot that on the coin, and thought it may have been counterstamped.

 

You know what I find even more interesting - That the Moderator (OP) of this thread hasnt been here for over 2 months- I thought you kinda had to be active to be a Mod ? I know I dont really post too much anymore but heck at least Im here & reading whats going on. No offense to Zane Im sure he is very busy with the job .

Where you at Zaneman ???

 

First off, very nice coin! I'm curious if there is any luster hidden underneath all that "crustiness". It looks like there is a possibilty of the beginning stages of corrosion around the lettering on the reverse...not bad though. I, in my amateur opinion would give it an AU-53 det. net AU-50.