hone your grading skills -- draped bust half dollar

To follow are the seller's pictures of the newest addition to my circulated early type set.

Please grade the following coin, and feel free to guess what PCGS graded it too.



As always, your comments -- both good and bad -- are most appreciated...Mike

 

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VF-30
Did you get Overton #?

 

A nice VF-20.

Great buy. It is beautiful.

 

I would grade this coin a vf-35+. With the striking weakness exhibited I could understand PCGS calling it anything from a vf-25 to an xf-40 IMO. I think it is an o-105.

 

I was thinking XF45

 

My guess VF-30, but could be higher, I'm not familiar with these. Strong shield, weak motto throws me.

 

By looking at it and using the book "Photograde" as a guide, this half is between an F-12 and a VF20. I would say that it is a F-15 but I am a strict grader. It helps me to not get ripped off when buying coins online. Two of the main reasons are listed below:

Fine(F-12)
Obverse: More detail will show in the hair; the hair will be two-thirds complete.
Reverse: Approximately half of the eagle's feathers will show. At least half of the "E PLURIBUS UNUM" will show.

Very Fine(VF-20)
Obverse: About three-quarters of the hairline will be visible.
Reverse: "E PLURIBUS UNUM" will be full. About three-quarters of the feathers will show.

 

Yeah, thats great but it depends on strike heavily. I guess market vs technical grading would come into play here.

 

I would guess at least Fine. It looks too worn for VF to me.

 

I would say VF20. Nice coin!

 

Solid 30.

 

I would grade it: very nice and it would look better in my collection.

 

So, what did PCGS grade it?

 

Vf-30

 

Sorry, was out of town for a few days. PCGS graded the coin VF 35. I don't have the coin in-hand to make a better determination, so I will reserve judgement. I'll post updated pics once it arrives...Mike

 

so, zaneman hit it dead on.
perhaps he should work for PCGS!

 

I like it as a high end VF. I think it has great surfaces....at least from the pics.

 

just kidding!