I've been collecting for about 3 years. I just recently got a job within the past year that allows me to buy some coins that are a bit more desirable. I still really only wait until I get a really good deal on a coin to purchase. Every coin in this thread was purchased by me on eBay for less than $50.00 a piece. I have posted below a obverse/reverse image of a few coins I have of which I would like to get others' opinions on the approximate grade. I didn't realize using the flash was blowing out the coins (and causing them to look like they have 1,000 cleaning marks) until about halfway through, after I finished shooting the bust halves (great ). While I do believe one or two of the bust halves have been cleaned at some point in time, I must admit that the flash makes all three look like they have been cleaned recently. The other coins aren't as bad, as I was able to turn the flash off before shooting them. A few things I'm interested in knowing specifically: - Is the 1819/8 Bust Halve really a 9/8 variety? I can't help but think it sure looks like a 1819/3. Could be my eyes playing games with me. - I've posted a close-up of what I believe to be an O/CC Morgan, but again, it may be my eyes. - I purchased the 1871 Thaler off a guy for $20.00. I looked it up and it's easily a $75.00 coin, but what condition would you say it was in? - The 1875 20-Cent Piece is a non-S mintmark, although when I bought it the seller sold it as a 1875-S. I received it and quickly saw why someone would think it was an S, it is pretty darkly-toned on the reverse. I magnified the area with a 50x loupe and there is no mintmark. +1 for me! Paid $40.00 for it. (Don't mistake the bottom of the left bundle of arrows as an "S") - General grades of the Bust Halves? Pictures! (Again, excuse any flash-influence): Thanks in advance for any comments/opinions!
All grades are my opinions only: 1875 - G details rim hits. 1819/8 fine details cleaned. 1825 F-12 - I am sure others will say cleaned, but looks okay to me in the pictures. 1831 VF details scratched and cleaned. Does not look like the O/CC I have seen but no expert on it or the other coin
Thanks for the replies! I was hoping the 1819 wasn't cleaned, but the more I look at it the more I agree that it is.
I would rank the 1819 higher than the 1825. The consensus so far is that they are both F, but the 1819 seems borderline VF to me. The 1871 Thaler is quite a beauty, but I can only guess at its grade as I don't have experience of how those wear. It seems borderline VF-XF.
I agree. Mark, I think the 1825 is cleaned, perhaps harshly. See the diagonal hairlines across Liberty's face and neck. The 1819/8 appears to be the small 9, O.101 variety. Lance.
