Hi, all... This rolled to the top while looking for something else. It looks fake, in the severely granular nature of the ground if nothing else. But oddly, it displays edge lettering, tho' not all of the letters are legible. I tend to doubt the ability of counterfeiters to duplicate that feature, especially given the apparent crudeness of the images on both faces of the coin...which may simply define my ignorance about such matters. What have I got here? Thanks for lookin'!
I think that the piece is a counterfeit. Here is a Bust Half from the period. Note the slanted forehead on your piece. Here is a counterfeit dated 1837. It has a lettered edge, but it shouldn't because the last genine Bust Half Dollar with edge lettering was dated 1836. Yes, counterfeiters went to the trouble to make their products with a lettered edge.
Sorry, I have to agree it does look counterfiet. But now you have a piece to talk about, and from what you posted you also thought it might not be real.
It is incredible to me that you can have all that 'wear' on the face, yet Liberty remains unaltered and readable......
The "LIBERTY" remains readable on these coins, even with a lot of wear because it is in the deepest part of the design. I know that you have been taught that "LIBERTY" is a grading point on many coins, but it's not on the Bust coins from 1807 to 1839.
Yes, I was prepared for that news. Now I'm gonna trim the ring off (carefully) an' tidy up the edge where it was attached. The reverse is in far better (presentable) condition. A gift to a grandchild, with full disclosure about its faulty pedigree; Presto, a happy young person, at no cost. Can heaven offer more? Thanks, all of you, for your comments!
