I have a 1903-S barber dime that is in no better than P-01 condition. Since value guides only seem to go as low as G-04, I have no idea how to value this coin. In G4 it would be close to $80 book value. In general, P1 would be worth what percentage of G4? Thanks.
If it is actually a PO01 coin, which is to say it has a clear date and mintmark and no cleaning or problems - just lots circulation wear (beyond AG3 and FR02, obviously) then it might appeal to a "lowball" collector. These are the crazy people who send coins like this off to PCGS in the hope of obtaining a straight, problem-free PO01 graded coin for their Lowball Registry sets. Personally I think these people are more than a little bit insane, but they're fun folks, so I respect their lunacy. Now, lowball sets aside, how to put a value on PO01? Well, as a general rule of thumb, I always figured AG3 at half G4 value, and FR02 at half that, and PO01 at half that, but I'll be the first to admit that system is flawed. If the coin catalogs $80 in G4 as you say (I didn't look it up), my "system" (such as it is) gives you an approximate value of $10 in PO01. But that is a very imperfect system, as I've said. A more accurate way might be to compare prices of similar examples that have sold on eBay (not just closed, but actually sold). Really, it varies on an individual basis. The fact that it is a better date and that PO01 is in demand with the Lowball Loonies (I say that with affection) works to the advantage of a 1903-S dime in that grade. I should think it would definitely be worth much more than the ten bucks arrived at using my simple but flawed formula.
Because it is a key date it is still an important coin. Condition is a prime factor, this is a case of what someone is willing to pay, to figure out what it is worth. ($20? More? No idea). Photo would be great. I love the P-01's and AG-02's.
Ok, here are some pictures. The large "C" shaped mark in the middle of the reverse probably keeps it from being "problem free". However, my original question is generalized, because no guides seem to list coins in the lowest conditions, and I have others. It's frustrating when trying to value the whole collection.
Yeah, if it weren't for that "C" mark (Look! A Barber from the Charlotte Mint! LOL ), then I would've said you had yourself a real PO01 contender there! I think something in the ballpark of @Michael K's $20 "guesstimate" might be about right. As mentioned, the $10 arrived at via my quickie formula is probably a bit too low in this case.
One final question: how sure are you it's a 1903-S and not a 1902-S? The last digit does have a curled top to indicate is a 2 or 3, but based on what I see in the picture above, I can't tell which.
Because I compare it to other 1902 and 1903 ones in my possession - the "3" font has a point in the upper left inside curve, the "2" is fully rounded on the upper inside curve. This one has the point heading upper-left on the inside curve
Thanks. I was personally sure of it, but it's always good to have outside verification lol. You're not biased like I am about the coin
Without that rolling machine mark on the reverse, I believe the coin may have been worth a couple hundred dollars.
Nah Numismedia only puts it at $78 in G4 condition, and WITHOUT that mark I'd call it P1. So unless the lowball graders put a BIG premium on P1 stuff, I can't see how it ould be that much
So called "low-ballers" have recently paid some stunning prices for P1 coins. In the end, it's buyer and seller......or two buyers at auction.
