Recently I have gotten hooked on Bust Halves. I'm thinking of purchasing these two. The 1818 is graded Good for $57 and the 1836 is Good for $59. What do think? Do they look fake?
I don't think the prices are out of line. If you were to spend an extra, say, $40 per coin you could get examples with more meat on them though. Just my thoughts. I believe they are genuine.
I like the grade on the 1836 as it seems higher than G-04 to me. At least G-06 and possibly VG-08. It's hard to call a G-4 coin over graded, but on the 1818 I am AG-03 on that.
I wouldn’t buy them, but rather look for a single coin in a higher grade. You should be able to find a nice common-year VF30/35 for about $120. Think about it.
Both look like decent examples for the grades/prices. Both are common die marriages (R-1 on the 18; R-2 on the 36). How do they fit in looks wise with any other bust halves you may own? As others have said you can find better grades for only a little more money, but if the rest of your collection is Good, then these should fit well.
The other five I have are in VG to F. I'm leaning toward the 36 and bypassing the 18. The date is clear but I don't like the reverse. For the 36 I think its more if a VG8.
If there's anything about the coin that you really don't like, pass on it. I've bought coins in the past because the price was cheap, and then regretted it later because I wasn't really happy with the coin.
Just because something is cheap doesn't mean it's a good deal. How many people are buying common variety Bust Halves in good. Much easier to sell a VF or better, and you will enjoy it much more.
