Well, being new to collecting coins, I have been searching out alternative buying venues instead of Ebay. I found another coin shop pretty local to me the other day. I went to check the place out and see what they had to offer. Needles to say, I bought these two Barber Halves. Not knowing too much about the series, they seemed to be fairly priced. I wanted to post them here to a)get opinions and b)see if the guy ripped me off I picked up the 08 for $20 and the 99 for $15. How did I do?? I know the pictures could be better, but I was having trouble with the lighting. I'm going to fab up some sort of light box so I can get better pictures in the future Let me know what you guys think. Thanks
Don't think it'll take Treashunt too long to get here. His Barber senses are probably tingling. Nice coins man, very attractive! :thumb: Phoenix
sniff, sniff... do I smell a Barber thread? Phoenix: How did you know? The 1899 is a clear VG-10. Nice, dosen't look like it was played with. I really like those pieces with dark backgrounds and light on the devices. The 1908 O is a nice fine-12. Question: I presume that the reverse is lighter than the obverse because of the lighting for the picture, am I correct? personally, I think that anytime that you can get a clear F-21 for $20, grab it! January, 2008 Grey Sheet is bid at $22, so basically you got it for about 10% back of bid. Do that all day long and you'll make money. And have a nice collection. Now for the other #71 to complete the set! Go for it!
Sweet! So I guess I did good then. I like that. Just wondering..... From what I have briefly read, it is said that one should examine the Liberty Ribbon on the Obverse to determine wear on Circulated coins. Is that the end all and be all?? I understand that glaring faults anywhere should be taken into consideration. But, with the ribbon being the highest point, does that make it the primary spot to check?? With the rest of the coin "usually" following suit?? Thanks for the help, Pete
I love barbers too....90% of my barber dimes, quarters n halves came form bulk silver bins at local flea markets and coin shops.....it takes a lot of reading on them dimes lol Lately I sort thru my dealer's 2x2's to get the barbers i need.....somehow i dont think i can finish my balf collection from his junk silver bin lol
I think you did fine and I'm not going to argue with Treashunt on it. I especially like the 1899. Nice, original dirt.
Just had one of those feelings. I guess I'm phsycho, I mean phsycic. LOL. LOL, this is sung to the tune of "Here Comes Santa Claus" "Here comes Treashunt, Here comes Treashunt, right down Barber lane! He's got a bag that's filled with coins, and each one are the same! The coins are ringing, Miss Barber's singing, he is merry and bright! Oh what joy, it is to see, his love of Barber's tonight!" Not too good, I know, but I tried my best, lol. Phoenix
Pete: As you stated, review the balance of the coin for net grading, but....... As a general rule the Liberty and ribbon, since they are high points on the coin, are the primary spots to check. In adidtion, carefully check the rim, esp on the reverse. As an 'old time' grader, I do NOT accept the grade inflation that is currently going on, esp with Barbers. It is generally stated (in several grading guides) that there can be wear into a couple of letters on the reverse-- for a G-4. That is okay, however, you will see more and more wear into a lot more letters and dealers will still call it a good. As a result, all of the dealers that I deal with know that I will NOT accept any wear into the reverse lettes and still call it a G-4. [Of course, if I ever sell any of my collections, I'll use the new system! -- Just kidding.] I say that you should stay with the Liberty because all graders (TPG'ers) will start there. For example, I obtained a nice 1872 Two Cent piece, that the dealer (who I trust) and I both called a F-12. However, there was no trace of the WE in the motto. But the coin was really nice. Sending it in as a test, naturally, it came back as a VG. Ya win some, ya lose some. Gotta use the BENT system and free that baby from his prison.
I know what you mean. I originally started saving Barbers when I spotted them in junk silver. I used to buy junk silver for a metal detecting club and hated to see the Barbers going into the ground. So, I started to ask dealers to save them for me and I just paid junk silver for them. That went on for a few years, and then interest in them started to increase, and along with that, the prices. They are no longer included in junk silver, but I still grab any and all that are reasonable in price. I could tell you how many I have, but them I'd have to ... (fill in the blanks).
