Won this one this morning on eBay - was listed as a BuyItNow for 3/4 market value, I offered just over half and won it. Seller grades it at AU, and I'm inclined to believe that's about right - what do ya'll think? I now have 6 Busties in my collection - '12, '25, '28, '30, '32, and '34, all are XF with the exception of the '32 which is VF/XF borderline, and now this '28 which seems to be AU.
Thanks Bobbeth! I love these coins - they are beautiful and represent a piece of a very interesting time in American history. If only Liberty could tell us who she has met and where she has been in the past 181 years! Just as they have brought the St. Gaudens design back for a reprisal, I wouldn't mind seeing this design again on a modern coin or two. Of course, they wouldn't have the same charm, as they'd be digitally struck by a precision machine, rather than by good old-fashioned *horse*power. Lugia - do you mean it looks like the coin has been cleaned or otherwise roughed up? That is always a concern of mine when I look at Busties on eBay, and as such, I try to buy only from reasonably-reputable-looking dealers with four- or five-figure amounts of feedback (as was the case with this dealer). And then there are many of these coins that were cleaned perhaps 50 or 100 years ago, yet have recovered their original look more-or-less over time. Many of the eBay Busties also seem to have gouges, scratches, or holes which eliminate them from my consideration right off the bat. For the price I paid, I wouldn't cry if this coin turned out to be XF-40 or 45. If it is AU or higher, I made out like a bandit . I'm trying to build a set by year (not even thinking about Overton numbers or varieties yet, though I think that this will follow down the road, as this feels like "my" series). There seem to be quite a few nice examples of these coins still out there in the VF-XF range that are within reach pricewise, though the earlier issues get a little steeper. It helps to be buying in a recession, of course. My first Bustie was an 1832 Large Letters Reverse that I picked up probably 12 or 13 years ago. It's in VF-XF range (call it VF-30), and I paid the grand sum of $32 for it. Part of me wants to send them off to be slabbed, if only to be "sure" of the grade, but then the other part of me likes being able to hold them in my hand!
Well I would need to see both sides, but from first glance I was thinking XF45 with an old cleaning. Kind of hard to find these that have not been cleaned. Still this one looks pretty good.
The first spouse coins have a bust half representation, if the gold is too dear, they have a small bronze piece for 3.50, I bought one but it came with a finned rim, slightly off center strike, I may order another anyway, try try again.
The reverse Here's the reverse. And you know, I'm a bit of a dope for forgetting to mention that these photos (the seller's photos from eBay) look to have been taken through the 2x2 flip in which the coin resides. That might be making things look strange too. I will take better photos once I have the coin in hand - should be about two weeks or so (the seller and I agreed to split the cost up into three weekly payments).
I had forgotten all about the First Spouse coins. Too many Mint gold offerings, too little $$$. My next big gold purchase will be the 2009 UHR St. Gaudens - I have one on a layaway program now, and then maybe I'll have to look at putting away one of the First Spouse coins. I picked up a 1907-S double eagle at an auction three years ago for just around $600, and now it melts for almost double that. Who said stocks and bonds were the only worthwhile investments? Sometimes I worry about being 27 and having yet to start a 401(k)...then I just take a look in my latest price guides!
I cant seem to match that coin up with an Overton #. It has to be an early number because of the curved 2. But I can not get this one down. Mark_H, can you confirm or at least tell me I am wrong in what I think.
Okay - I think it is an O-103 R2 based off what I think I see. Stars are large, star 13 1/4 mm from curl. The large 8's has the thinner lines. The reverse is what sold me - first line of stripes 1-2-3 extend to crossbar 2. I can see that on the reverse photo.
Nice coin , I'd go with XF-40-45 , with a old cleaning . Most of these busties have been cleaned once in their lives . Since you plan on making these your collection , you shouuld get as many good books on them as you can . rzage
Two more beauties What do you all think of these? The '13 is only bid to $120 right now, with 16 hours to go. The '24 is an O-107, PCGS slabbed in XF-45, and is at $175, with 36 hours to go. For a series that is upwards of 200 years old, there certainly are some super-nice examples out there. I also finally picked up a 2009 Silver Eagle today, and a 1-oz. silver round that is patterned after the gold buffalo. Funny to think it was only a few years back you could get a Silver Eagle for $6 or $8. Not any more!
Mark, that was my first thought, look at the placement of the 1 in the date in relation to the dentil. Also notice that S8-12 are off from the dentil placement. On the reverse I can not see the recut 5 in 50.. Maybe its just the angle I am looking at the piece. Oh well, Nice looking coin. I would say XF-45 to AU-50 range on it.
The 24 is nice. The 13 I have a problem with. I dont like how strong the dentils are on this coin. I have seen alot of the 13's and I dont recall seeing one with dentils so distinct and perfectly centered on the coin. Not saying the coin is bad, just saying if you REALLY don't know your stuff, your gonna get your fanny handed to you on ebay with the busties. take a look at how many views this coins has, how many bids have been placed. Keep in mind there is an organization called Bust Halve Nut Club. It has about 190 members, probably 100 of which surf ebay on a regular basis. Dont expect there to be a santa claus hiding out there for a new collector to snag. It can happen but the odds are really stacked against it. I am fairly good at the bust series, I have several hundred of them and know alot of members over at BHNC. Some really know their stuff, authors of such books as Bust Half Fever. Buy from people who deal in them on a regular basis, not somebody selling off their collection. Want to buy some coins from China? This set has been hit BIG TIME with that crap. Be careful my friend, tread water lightly because there are many a sharks swimming around out there. Just a little insight for you. I dont want to discourage your interest in the Busties, I also dont want you regretting a purchase a few years from now when you go to sell. Good Luck my friend. May the bustie force be with you.
Agreed, that 24 looks nice, good toning and nice wear as a coin that age should have. Also agreed with those that say the original post of the 28 had a cleaning at a previous time. The discolored toning and lack of dirt with the amount of wear gives it away.
