VF25. It was hard to decide. Lots of detail there but the hair is so worn down. If it's in a VF20 slab, and you paid accordingly kudos If not, still a lovely coin
Having been presented with that TrueView image (on my small phone screen) before I knew I was about to become the new owner of this coin, and asked to guess the grade, I guessed F15, and said, "Reverse looks VF-ish, but obverse looks more Choice Fine-ish". Here is the cert page, if you're ready to look. I was close.
As a collector of half dimes both caped bust and seated series....my first assessment was Vf. Other that the two hits on the reverse rim and EPU.....the coin shows honest even wear. All of the details are strong on both obv. And rev....except for some of the stars do show heave wear while others look very sharp as on an Au coin. Stars 3 5,6 &7 have been recut on the left and as well 8,9,10 ,&12. NIce pick up.
Probably in a VF-20 holder. The reverse is better, but the obverse holds it back. It think that obverse barely makes VF.
Haven't looked up the grade yet.. I was thinking F15, based on the obv wear mostly, but the rev rim scrape may lower it to F12, so that's my guess. Love the look and right up your alley, Lord M!
Very pleasing example and I would have thought higher than the assigned grade. That filled S really caught my eye....
I don't attempt GTG by pics, but I will say that this coin is like a great loaf of bread - sometimes the crust is the best part!
I have responded on many GTG threads, with reasonably accurate grades, without ever reviewing grading guides. This incorrect guess is a wake up call to do a refresher of circulated grades in bust coinage. That being said, grading in hand is much easier than by photos. Excellent coin!
Come on, you weren’t far off with VF20... this is a very nice coin for the grade. However you should have a look at grading guides from time to time ;-) Some guides really do a great job showing high points and explaining which details have to be there for a certain grade.