She's a beauty! VF-30 for sure, maybe even a 35. The details are a bit worn but sharp. And the coin is clean, only a few minor hits. This was the first year of the Reeded Edge Half Dollar. Too bad it isn't an O mint, lol, as only 20 were minted.
For the moment I'll go with VF but more like 20 or 25. And you missed 2 letters in your 3rd sentence. And the coin is cleaned ....
Yes, I think this is a better assessment of the coin. I'll bet in hand the coin is rather shiny - it looks like the patina has been stripped from the coin. That may just be the pictures, but I don't think so. Hate to burst your bubble, but 1836 was actually the first year. 1836 Reeded halves are quite rare, but 1837 are quite common.
For an UNC coin, absolutely not recommended. For a circulated coin like this, as long as your hands are clean, this is fine. No need to handle a VF with kid gloves.
The coin is circulated and it's 182 years old. I washed my hands before handling to take the photo you're objecting to. I have been a collector for 60 years and no, I do not handle uncirculated coins this way.
