Hello everyone, Here's what I got from the coin club today. Not much but I like it a lot and had a fun time getting to reconnect with some people. First, I won one of the door prizes. A 1909-S (If only it were a penny) Barber half dollar. Was nice to get something for free. This is the shortest lived upgrade for my type set so far (lasted about 15 minutes) Next was a new upgrade for the type set. A 1903 Barber half with very nice VF Details, from Bill Fivaz. Unfortunately it was scratched on the obv and reverse, though for 2 dollars over spot I can't complain. Looks great in my Dansco Album. And last but not least, a massive coin box "coffin" bought at auction for $11! Now I gotta figure out what coins to put in here. Has a nice open space for large coins, easy to display, and two cabinets for smaller coins nickel-sized and smaller. That's basically it for today. Wasn't much but then again I had a lot of fun at the club. Excited for my new box too. Will post pics of it once it's full.
With the massive amount of slick barbers there are I would rather have problem coins with nice details than problem free slicks. They are one of the most underrated US coins IMO. Just cause the obverse is not very strong. The reverse is one of the best on us coins IMO. Close but no cigar, it's an 1836 haha. Bought at melt almost 5 years ago now.
That 1903 half is high VF details. You'd have no problem flipping it for a profit somewhere like eBay. A lot of collector view "details" as a badge of shame. I'm not one of them.
With exception of the scratches on the '03 and the ding just opposite of the eye on '09 they are very nice coins and keepers, in my opinion.
Just like you I don't care so much about details coins as long as it's fairly priced. I can understand why people have discontent with them though, especially if it's a $1000+ coin. Unfortunately it has a graffiti mark "X" on William's neck. When I first bought it I had no idea what it was, I was under the impression that it was George III until I eventually realized it was the latin name for William. I don't see any serious dings on the 1909 half, the mark to the left of eye is just part of the design. Someday when I have more money for coins I'll buy a nice MS64 barber half.
