Good afternoon folks, Below is a 1912 Barber half that has been offered to me for sale. I am interested in any input on the grade. Is have little to no experience grading barbers and the pcgs photograde images haven’t shed any light on things for me. The images are the sellers and the coin would be purchased locally so I would be able to see it in hand before making a final determination. The hairlines to the left of the ribbons on the obverse are concerning as possible evidence of cleaning unless they are die polish lines. Thanks in advance!
Nope. Not unless I could see it in hand I see what look to be scratches on her face also. Not sure if that is circulation wear or from a rough cleaning. Those scratches plus the ones to the left of the ribbon make me think cleaned.
I'm meeting the seller shortly and will update as I have more information. Thanks so much for all the input thus far.
Met with the seller and, in hand, the coin was very nice but didn't have much luster and direct light accentuated some additional hairlines so I suspect it had been cleaned. The detail of the bust and eagle were better in person than in the photos. Ultimately, I held off on the purchase. Thanks for the input!
I think cleaning can often make an XF coin look like AU, but the lack of luster and the hairlines can be a deal breaker.
AU details cleaned. Has the lusterless, flat look of a mechanically cleaned and overdipped coin. I would pass—it is an unattractive coin.
He was initially asking like $4-500 but ended up being willing to go as low as $200. I told him I wasn’t comfortable with anything above $140 which was about what a XF/as details coin would bring. He said he plans to list it on eBay, so it’ll be interesting to see if that happens what it will bring.
I think that is high for a details coin. I would not buy it at any price, but if I were interested, I think a maximum is $100. The coin is damaged, and below average eye appeal.