I went to a local coin show this past weekend with a determination to pick up a Barber Half type coin graded NGC or PCGS in VF or better. There weren't any. As I was about to leave a dealer said "wait a minute, I have a raw one you might like". He pulled it out and I fell in love. It was exactly the patina I was looking for. Of course the haggler in me acted not all that interested but inside I though "it will be mine". I grade it at XF45. Possibly AU? I paid what I believe to be the full XF45 price at $265. However all the pricing I see is XF40 at just under $200 and AU50 at over $300. It's hard for me to figure a price in between grades. I am considering a slab and maybe CAC if it comes back XF45. What would you do? In the meantime look at it! I have to show it here among like-minded folks because nobody in my circle shares my love of coins. I hate the "yeah, it's a coin" reaction. Probably a slight bit of detail lost in the pic. How does eye appeal factor in? Is the luster too low to be considered for AU?
Wow! Beautiful coin. Great natural toning and still above XF. Well done. See, sometimes you can still find treasures that are raw. Personally, I wouldn't slab it. But that's just one man's opinion. I collected Barber Halves in Fine, and put them all in a DANSCO. I just like that presentation better. I'm not a fan of the plastic tomb, unless it's a key date or high value coin for authentication purposes.
