I haven't collected Seated Liberty halves, yet and don't know anything about them. As I'm cruising eBay (while watching the Nats ), I came across this auction. My first thought is that this coin looks way too good to be real (looks like a David Carr fantasy piece)...but if it's not, then this auction is a blatant fraud. It's a raw coin with blurry pictures and no returns accepted (all red flags). However, the Seller has 100% feedback and it's covered by eBay buyer protection. If the coin is real it would be a tremendous buy. Bottom-line: I'm not bidding on it, but was interested to know what the rest of you think. :thumb: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1889-SEATED-LIBERTY-HALF-DOLLAR-PROOF-/110960571807?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item19d5c3f59f
The Seller also has a Capped Bust Half Dollar for $100... http://www.ebay.com/itm/1828-CAPPED-BUST-HALF-DOLLAR-/110960576745?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item19d5c408e9
it is kinda odd how all of his other listings have better photos but yet this one doesnt. it has several days left so see where it goes
From the pictures it is impossible to say real or not, but I would think genuine. As for it being a good deal, again, it is impossible to say from the pictures, but My guess would be it is not. Coin, is probably not in a slab for a reason, and I think $750 is too high for a "problem" '89 Proof. With no return policy, no slab, and blurry pics, it is a no-brainer to stay away.
If it's a real coin, it looks like a $4000 coin...for $750? :scratch: I don't understand why someone wouldn't have a coin like this graded before trying to sell it.
The most likley reason, it is not in a slab is because it will not grade cleanly. Here is an example of a similar coin in a "details" slab. Not exactly a $4000 coin. http://coins.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1171&lotNo=8946 Buy a coin like that for $550, crack it out, a little dippity doo, some blurry pics, and there you go.
I am wondering, what are those lines going across the obverse that looks like lines of dust? What about the other smudges? Since it is proof, it was originally minted for collectors and not for circulation. Numismedia has this coin listed at $540 and their prices are high. I don't know why you would list slabbed prices like NGCs on the ad.
I think that this dipped Seated half dollar with odd looking residual lines across the obverse would grade in the low PR range as a PR61 or PR62 and would be a tough sell to net much money on in a holder. The Capped Bust half dollar is simply a horrific, dipped out AU. These are not nice coins.
Wouldn't you rather buy this one? http://www.ebay.com/itm/1826-CAPPED...018&pid=100009&prg=1064&rk=4&sd=110960576745&
I have a personal rule..."Never bid on anything I don't understand"...and I don't know anything about early halves or the tricks folks use to cheat unsuspecting collectors. The auction didn't pass the "smell test", but I didn't know why...thanks!
Heck - I don't even have to study the coins - bad pictures bad deals. My rule if not nice clear pictures steer away from them. Just my opinion.
I've bought some very nice coins from sellers that don't know how to photograph or present coins. The few times I received misrepresented coins, eBay's Buyer Protection backed me up.
