Does this look like too much rim damage for a straight grade? Is it "deeply gouged, filed, or flattened?" How bad does it have to be to come back in a body bag? This is a 1908-O Barber that otherwise looks like an VG-8 (you can make out LI...Y). Is there any grace, when you're only talking about VG? Thanks!
That's a tough call. I could see it having a slight chance on a good day, since it's only a VG and a few marks and hits would be consistent with that grade (that "grace" you mentioned). And I've seen stuff with similar hits in straight grade holders. But on the other hand, that dent on the rim at 6:00 might be too much. At a rough guesstimate, I'd personally give it 20% odds of a straight grade, and an 80% chance of "details". Kind of a moot point, though, since a 1908-O half in VG range really isn't worth the potential expense of TPG certification- even if it did straight-grade. It is an OK circulated example, and perfectly acceptable for an album, but not really worth slabbing, in my opinion.
Agree with the above. I think considering the grade level of the coin, the minor rim damage would be consistent to that grade. I would have to see both sides to determine what I think the grade would be. I don't think in this case it would be a details coin, but I also think a low grade 1908-O Barber half is not worth grading, it is a common coin worth in the $50 area.
Yes, one does expect to see more problems on a low grade coin. This piece would be okay for an album coin. If it were a 1901-S quarter which might be worth grading, I think this damage would make getting a straight grade iffy.
Not worth the cost of grading and the coin stands a 50/50 chance of a body bag or straight grade. Just depends on the grader and the day they are having.
Don't worry about being "not worth getting graded" If you like having your coins slabbed and don't mind the expense, DO IT! Your satisfaction is all that counts. Brucw
Thanks for the input! That's kind of what I was thinking. This coin came from a roll of culls I got as bullion at $3 under spot. Out of 20, 14 were cleaned and/or damaged. A few look gradeable. If I were to send it in, it would be with a group of other coins, not expecting too much for it. But I like the idea of pulling a coin or two from a roll of culls and getting something back graded, and save it from the crucible.
That's what I was hoping - that the grade level might allow the ding to squeak by. Here is the whole coin. I think it might actually stand for a VG-10. Here, you can see the LI, a little B, a little bit of R, and TY. So, possibly up to $90 retail. If it doesn't get details. If I do send it, it's because I like to save a cull from the smelter if I can, if I think it could pass muster. It is a nice looking coin. I have a 1909 from this roll that looks like maybe an F-12. Thanks for the input!
I’d save your grading money for something else, but hey, for under melt on that one, it’s a good pickup.
Wear-wise, it looks VG-10 to me. I think it would be more likely for it to get a details grade from the scratch in front of Liberty's face than the rim ding. It does look like an old scratch, but it didn't happen from normal circulation wear and tear.
Looking closely at this coin I do think it would grade details but genuine do I would put the money for grading into another coin myself. I think the grade on this is a VG-8 at best.
The reverse seems a little better. That scratch on the obverse might details the coin more than the rim ding. It's nice coin, and sounds as if you got a fair deal on. In most cases it is only worth slabbing coins that have a value over X. If course there are other reasons for slabbing, but in this case if you were to sell the coin, you get MUCH more by not slabbing. The best this could get is VG 10 Details, and VG 08 Details is likely.
Thank you all for the very useful input thus far! It's a big help. Take a look at this 1909 "cull" from the same roll and see what you think. I think F-12. I see some scratches that I think they may call cleaning, but it would have to be pretty light and/or old. Doesn't look like actual cleaning to me. PCGS guide puts that at $120, if straight. Even if you knock off 2 points, not too bad. Unless "details." Maybe it's worth more raw, as has been said.
I would easily have it as a G-06 straight grade but between the nose and the eye on the obverse looks like a deep depression. Still a nice coin for under melt.
I'd call it VG-08. It looks like it was cleaned and has retoned. I've seen low grade coins with old cleanings in holders so I think it has a chance at a straight grade. For F-12 I'd want to see some more leaves and definition in the laurel wreath and most of the denticles.
I’m at VG10 on that one myself, but agree that it’s close to F12. Close, but no cigar. Nice pickup, regardless. You do have a lot of LIBERTY there. Based on that lone attribute, you’re close, but the rest of the coin’s details just don’t look sufficient for F12.