This half has been graded by PCGS. Mind you it is in an Old Green Holder. This is a beauty and the color is of a nice russet tone. Good Luck
ALthough I have a great deal of difficulty judging the coin from the photos provided, OGH 64 is my guess.
This coin was graded MS 64, but compared to EVERY MS 65 I have seen this one is slightly better. Maybe the standards were different back then even though they shouldn't be! Still this is one of my favorite designs of the commems. The others being the Stone Mountain and Texas.
Based on the pics the coin is accurately graded. But tdec, when you say it looks better than 65's you have seen, are you comparing coins seen in person or are you comparing pictures you've seen ? If your answer is pictures, then the next show you go to or dealer's shops take the coin with you and compare it in person. I think you'll find out that it is not really nicer than the 65's. But pics can be deceiving - I could be wrong, but I don't think so.
To tell the truth Ed you can't. But when you have looked at enough pictures of coins in given grades you kind of get an idea of how they look. Now that may seem silly, but you can do it. Sure you'll be off base sometimes, but with experince you'll be right more than wrong.
Great coin! Wow, always loved that design for some reason, and I don't really like commemoratives. Go figure. Lol. I'd give it a easy 65, but I am no pro. I remember reading that PCGS and NGC back then were really strict, they were very weary of giving a coin a 65 or higher. Today they are a little more tolerant. Could be wrong, but that's what I remember reading. Best of luck with whatever you decide doing. :thumb: Phoenix
It is an educated guess, having looked at lots of photos and lots of coins in-hand. That said (and not to rag on him too hard) tdec's photos are particularly challenging.
Tdec1000, Can you post a couple of larger pics? You may indeed have a sleeper here, but I'm sure you're aware that the difference between MS-64-65-66 really isn't as much as one might think. A hundred dollars or so... Take Care Ben
Sorry about the bad pics, it was very challenging to get an accurate photo through the plastic slab and the slab itself isn't in the greatest shape. It may go back to PCGS just for a new holder and possible upgrade.
Just read this thread. This has gotten the biggest laugh out of me.. Ben as a PCGS grader. I can see it now.. Yep, I agree its an ultra rare MS 68, Lets send it back to the owner with a written Grade and a holder that they can put it in themselves. I will NOT encase that coin. LOL GO BEN!!!!