1853 Arrows and Rays Half Dollar

This purchase brings me down to needing only 3 more coins for my Dansco 7070, and completes my half dollar type collection! These aren't easy to find with original skin, and although this coin doesn't make AU in my opinion, it still has some remaining luster and is oozing with crustiness. Opinions?

 

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If it doesn't make AU I'd be surprised.
I looked at mine (AU-53) and yours looks about the same.
Nice coin.

 

Very, very nice; if not AU it's awfully close.

 

That would be great if it was AU, as there is a huge price gap between XF and AU. I purchased it raw, and the seller did not offer a grade. I tried to compare to sold coins on heritage, but they were honestly all over the map detail-wise. I paid <XF-40 money, and I had in mind XF-45, so I'd be happy within that range as long as it's problem free. Anything more would be a huge bonus! :smile I'll post some better pics when I get the coin in hand.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320407902198&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

 

Here's mine so that you can make a comparison.
As you can see I got confused about the grade.
I got it mixed up with my 1853 quarter.
Mine is an XF-45.

 

nice die clash there.

Good pickup.

 

Thanks Kanga, and nice coin. Mine looks to be a similar grade as yours, so would probably get a 45, but may go 50 if the luster is strong in hand.

 

A great looking coin with great details. looks kile a typical old cleaning, but a very nice coin. :high5:

 

Received the coin today. It's about what I expected, and still am thinking XF-45. The reverse has a lot more luster than the obverse, with some serious cartwheel action. However, I believe this is simply because the fields are really protected on the reverse, due to the plethora of raised devices, particularly the rays. I'm still thinking it is original. Decent for $185. Here are some updated photos:

 

Oops. Last picture was of the wrong coin. Here is reverse pic 2

 

Nice coin. I'm planning on doing a type set of these in 2010.

 

I like your coin! Here's mine, it's the so-called 53/4 variety:

 

and one of the standard variety, pcgs xf40, I think:

 

Sure ! here's an opinion... "oozing with crustiness" is a phrase only we coin collectors can appreciate !

 

nice coins ksparrow! rays are awesome, especially since they preserve the luster so well in the fields after circulation.

LOL. Yeah, normal folks wouldn't get it, and those in cullinary arts would be really confused.