Grading Walking Liberty Halves

After reading about grading standards walking liberty halves, I am a little confused. I have a few questions

1. Are the grading standards for Walking Liberty Halves different and more generous for those minted from 1916 to 1920? If so, what is the difference (amount of breast, gown stripes, etc.)?

2. What are the key differences between VG and F graded walking liberty halves?

3. How much of the breast shows on the walking liberty half for VG and F grades?

 

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Yes....the coins minted from 1916-1920 are weekly struck...also 1942 is the same way.
The detail isn't as sharp so some people undergrade them.

Speedy

 

Thanks Speedy - but does anyone know what are the official guidelines? Especially for those coins in the VG to VF range?

 

I'll try to get the grades from the ANA guide posted here in awhile....if I forgot just kick me
One rule I use for some coins is look at the rim....if the rim is full that most of the time its F or better...if the rim isn't full that means that it would take it down to VG.....sometimes a coin is weekly struck and we can't use that rule though.

Speedy

 

Can anyone provide more insight? Thanks.

 

Thanks for the kick

Here is what the ANA guide says for VG-VF.
VG
OBV--Entire design is weak--Most details in gown are worn smooth except for coins after 1921, where half of the stripes must show. All lettering and date are clear but top of motto may be weak. Rim is complete. Drapery across is partially visble.
REV--About one-third of the feathers are visible, and the large feathers at ends of wings are well separated. Ete is visible. Rim is full and all letters are clear.

F
OBV--Gown stripes worn but show clearly except for coins before 1921 where only half are vusuble. Right leg is lightly worn. Left lef is nearly flast and sandal is worn but visible. Center of body worn but some of the gown is visible
REV--Breast is worn smooth. Half the wing feathers are visible although well worn in spots. Top two layers of feathers are visible in left wign. Rim is full

VF
OBV--Left leg is worn flat. Wear spots show on head, breast, arms, and foot. Lines on skirt are visible but may be weak on coins before 1921. Breast is outlined.
REV--Entire eagle is lightly worn but most of major details are visible. Breast central part of legs, and top edge of right wing are worn flat.


I would suggest trying to find this book....this is the 5th Edition....you should be able to find it for under $15....I just sold one to a guy with 2 other books for $4.50+ S&H.....

Speedy

 

Speedy, excellent information and thanks. However, I have the book but the description is still confusing.

What does "full rim" specifically mean. Am I getting different opinions.

Also, what are the key differences between pre and post 1921 halves grading standards. How much breast needs to show for a fine grade? Also, for a VF20 grade, does the breast need to be completely outlined?

Is the gown stripe detail the only difference between the pre and post 1921 halves?

 

Just what do you mean by "official"

Since there is no government or agency with the power to enforce its standards setting the rules, there are as many "official" guidelines as there are "officials".

• Speedy has posted the ANA standards, which are pretty clear and logical.
• The SGS standards are "If it is identifiable, it's MS70"
• PCGS and NGC each have standards known to their graders and no one else. (They obviously differ in some respects, or coins graded by one would always cross over at the same grade. )
• Other grading companies (real independents like ICGS and wannabees like BACAC - the Beijing Antique Coin Appraisal Center) have their own standards, which vary considerably.
• Most importantly, I have my own standards, which are absolutely controlling For purposes of my collection.

 

Roy,

Actually, I am learning and confused about the descriptions in the ANA grading standards, thus that's why I'm asking this outstanding group.

See my questions above.

 

Speedy, excellent information and thanks. However, I have the book but the description is still confusing.

Around the coin is the rim.....but you can see that rim on the coin....
Like this coin....

If that rim is worn into the rest of the coin is it not a Full rim.

That will come with learning....look at a lot of photos of them graded by NGC and PCGS....that will help...
As the book said...the Breast will be outlined...that means competely.

That is one good place to look....if a coin after 1921 has full gown stripes it might be VF where as if that coin was before 1921 it might be XF....each date and mintmark is graded unlike the one befor...it will all come in time and practice!!!

Speedy

 

Speedy, excellent, excellent input.

So. the coin you showed was probably an F?

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/1920-D-Walking-...383652528QQcategoryZ41100QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Here's an example of an ANACS VF-20 without a completely outlined breast.

Adding more confusion...

 

ANACS graded it F15...I would have graded it VG because of the skirt...

That is a coin BEFORE 1921....

Speedy

 

Speedy, I would have called a solid F12 because of the full rim, and the gown stripes are there but worn...

I think I'll look at some examples...

Thanks you very much for your help. I learned something here.

 

The pages I posted from the ANA guide use that guide line for coins minted AFTER 1921 and put that coins minted before 1921 will be weaker...that is the reason...the coin will look worn more but really it isn't...

Speedy

 

Ooops....sorry about that
So they didn't change WL?....I've heard that they changed IHC pretty good

Speedy

 

Oh boy!!!...I can't wait to read it!!! :high5:

Speedy

 

You got a link to that article?