Practice your grading -- barber quarter

Since this coin is RAW, the normal "hone your grading skills" thread title doesn't apply. Regardless, attached below you will find a NEWP from the FUN show. Please assign a grade to the coin, and feel free to explain how you arrived at the grade.






As always, your candid comments -- both good and bad -- are appreciated.

Have fun...Mike

 

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Okay: I'll say XF-45 to AU-50.
Based upon actual wear probably an AU-55 to 58.
But, no luster on either side, a negative, plus the 'zits' on her cheek, another negative.
In addition, the reverse has a very flat strike (not unusual) on the eagle's claws.
So, XF-45 to AU-50.

 

Mike, I'd call it 55+ (I lowered it from a 58 after viewing the larger pictures). It has nice even wear, and to me looks totally original and unmessed with.

 

I grade the coin AU50----while I agree with Zane that the ware is even and the coin is original---there is a just a bit too much wear on the eagle, and her Hair for me...

Nice coin---I would love to do a set of Barber Halves but I'm trying to cut back and only work on one set at a time...and right now that set is Dimes...!

Speedy

 

I say AU-55. Only thing holding her back from 58 is wear, especially on the reverse. Another very nice coin, and great photos as usual :thumb:

 

I would say XF-45 This coin has no luster. To be graded an AU It should have some luster but I have been wrong before. Tom

 

My first thought on the coin was AU-50. Seems to be a small amount of remaining luster, but thats fairly minimal. The coin definitely exhibits wear, easily noticed on the high points on the reverse.

The coin is definitely a nice looking piece with very light, even wear. Wish it was in my collection!!

 

I should add that I am calling it a 55+, as I feel it is a 55, but it is a problem free 55. For me to go a 50, I would have to see more blending of the hair directly under liberty, or other high points.

Mike, you definitely have a keen eye for coins, and I always appreciate you sharing them with us!

 

Au- 50

 

Thanks to everyone who posted their grades and thoughts -- I appreciate them!

Here are my thoughts on this coin (all IMHO):

A barber quarter was one of the coins that was the primary goal of my FUN trip. I looked at literally hundreds of examples before I found this coin in a dealer's cabinet. Most of these coins in this grade are not nearly as nice, with virtually all showing evidence of a harsh cleaning, a dipping, or both. This coin was marked "Choice XF" and was priced fairly at just under $100.

To me, this is the epitome of an original high-XF/low-AU barber quarter. The color is actually a touch darker than the photos suggest. There are really no distracting marks on the coin, and only the slightest bit of wear on the high points and muting the field luster. The only drawback on this coin, as far as I'm concerned, is the strike is slightly weak on both sides -- although this is very typical on the quarters of this year. This weakness would be problematic had this coin been in mint state, but do not bother me in the least on a circulated coin in this price and grade range and is made up with the raw eye appeal of the coin.

I am very happy with this coin, and have a feeling that this one will never leave my Dansco 7070.

Again, thanks for all your comments and grades.

Have fun...Mike

 

Mike:
That dealer was a very fair grader, with his 'Choice XF' grade.
Great purchase.

 

Thank you.

The dealer's name is Chris Young (can't remember his company's name). Quite a nice gentleman, once you get past his long beard and hair. I found his coins to be farily graded and priced, but alas this was the only one that fit well into my collection....Mike

 

Why would this coin have no luster at all? I'd give it a XF 45 and I'd look real close to see if it have ben cleaned.

Ruben

 

My thought was XF to AU so "Choice XF" seems like a fair grade.

 

Is it the Chris Young that looks like Jesus? If so he is from chesapeake bay rare coins. Super nice guy, and is a family friend.

 

How did you take such clear and close up pictures... they look great!!

 

That is a nice looking coin, but I don't know much about grading barbers. Without looking at anyone's posts I'd say...AU55.

 

One and the same.

Please tell Chris, next time you see him, how nice it was to meet him and how much I love the quarter!!!

 

A camera and LOTS of practice.

Here's a very good article written by an acquaintance that might help...

http://coinimaging.com/photography.html

If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to help -- just ask away....Mike