had questions on this 1859 half I got a while back. Couldn’t tell from online whether cleaned or not (seller said no). However, the lines on obverse make it a bit obvious but features and detail still in good shape. Any ideas on grade? Thank you!
I think EF details but cleaned and dipped. Coins like this will usually sell at a big discount to their unmolested brethren. I bought some coins like this when I started collecting because of the details and the relatively low price, but quickly realized that they lacked character and with rare exceptions (such as a very rare variety) I have avoided them since. But I don't want to sound pompous, and if you like the coin, I'm happy for you.
I am much like @ksparrow in that regard. While it may not be in the upper echelon of numismatist perfection, it still is an attractive piece of US history. I have no qualms purchasing an imperfect coin that has my eye. I echo the previous poster. If you enjoy the coin, then that’s what this hobby is about.
Thank you all very much! It’s always great to get your input. I definitely knew it was cleaned from the pics but maybe the appeal of the details is what sold me. It’s a very nice piece of history, just wish they hadn’t cleared it so harshly. HH
Horatio 'holding the bridge' is history. OP's example is devine..........not that I'd touch it though.........I'm way more cautious..........
Just to show that I too have bought cleaned/dipped coins: This is an 1876 cc type 1/1 trade dollar with the "normal" reverse. most have broken letters in AMERICA. The other two types are the wide cc and the DDR. This one is about 2x as scarce as the wide cc which is already rare. I am buried in this coin, but they turn up so infrequently that I snapped it up, trade dollar nerd that I am.
