G-6 I think it's been cleaned a long time ago. Not sure if it would straight grade or not if sent to a grading company.
I think that it will grade. When you get to the Good grade, plus its age, the graders can cut you some breaks.
Grading from photos is not something I do. However, as general commentary, this would be a Details piece. The photo appearance is suspect for previous "enhancements" to hide damage from graffiti, minor whizzing, rim hits and possible metal repair that didn't work out. G4 would be a generous gift. I am not certain, but would not be surprised to have it returned in a Genuine AG3 Details Holder. Cleaning would be the least of the issues to consider. Of course it was cleaned.
G-4. Straight grade. A 1794 half will not be graded the same as a 1942 Walking Liberty half. What's the difference? 150 years.
I’m at a G-6 on this coin. I see no reason based on the photos provided as to why this wouldn’t straight grade.
If you were to see what most certified G-4 graded 1794 half dollars look like, that piece would look like a Gem. Certified early U.S. copper and silver coins in Good look like something cat drug in after he'd mulled it for a couple hours. This 1796 cent is raw, but the dealer from whom I purchased it graded it "Fine." I grade it VG-8. The missing "ONE CENT" in the center is the nature of the beast. The EAC people would net grade it down to Good, but they would charge you Fine money for it. The weakness seen on the eagle on the OP coin is also "the nature of the beast."
I grade it "good enough, it'll work." Technically, G8. Market-wise, could go G6 for the spot, hard to say.
Having now reviewed the research of Mr. Young on the 1794 Half, I will add to my comments and thoughts that the piece is suspect. Is there any photo(s )of the edge?
Can you share any more of the info. Until Jack gets here? The crack from wreath to rim between D and S look to be in the right place. Also, the plate coin shows some deterioration thru the F on OF. Most die positions match on Edwards coin.
My first guess was to go with collecting nut. G-6. Old book; old coin. Brown and Dunn would call it a VG -8 looking in my copy. James
Thanks for all opinions and comments. This coin is ex. Jonathan Kern, 1986. When I bought it, 1794 halves were considered quite scarce. However, around 2010 a hoard of approximately 150 was released - The Harmony Society Hoard - and this increased the availability. The coin is pewter grey and not cleaned as far as I can tell. It is an O-101, R-3, the most common variety for this year.
Knowledgeable fellow, and straightforward, and had a wonderful collection of unusual numismatic items. The piece you acquired from him is unusual in that such a piece would normally have been TPG (PCGS ) submitted. He was definitely familiar with TPG grading. Was this piece TPG graded? There was not much comparison of FH halves then, and questionable hmmm pieces were not scrutinized that much, because there was such a lack researchers. The equals of Mr. Young were few, then. I will be interested in his thoughts when he has the opportunity.
Slabbing was only beginning in 1986. It’s no surprise that the piece is raw. Given the source and time of purchase, I believe that the coin is genuine.
