To Grade or Not to Grad ? 1942 walking liberty

Once again I am very new to this and trying to determine whether or not to have this coin graded.

 

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No.

 

why?

 

To amplify, even if the coin graded a problem-free AU, its retail value would be less than the cost of grading at NGC or PCGS. We can't assign a certain grade from a single photo of one side, but even from that single photo, it's easy to see that it's a circulated coin.

You could find someone to slip it into a batch during ANACS' next 10-for-$100 sale, but that would still be pointless -- it's just not a high-value coin.

Having said that, it's nicer than the typical circulated Walker, and I wouldn't let it go for melt.

 

I know this probably sounds like obvious question, But what are the signs on this coin that help you determine wether it is circulated or not?

 

Wear. Coin looks worn.

 

I'm looking at the apparent flat and dull texture along Liberty's left leg. It's possible that it's just a weak strike and an unflattering photo, but it looks like wear to me. (I wouldn't expect that much head detail from a weak strike.) In hand, you should be able to tilt the coin and see whether there's luster in that area or not.

There was a lengthy discussion here a few years back about grading, and perhaps "grade inflation", for Walkers. Someone presented photos of a coin that had what looked like wear along Liberty's leg and body, but was in an MS slab. Some of the members here swore that the coin should never have been graded MS; others said that if that's what PCGS/NGC say, it's good enough for them. It's not the sort of disagreement that ever gets resolved.

The photo is not sharp enough to judge the coin's surfaces, but I see what look like fuzzy indications of spotting. The overall impression I got was that it's lightly circulated and heavily dipped.

If you can post clearer photos, including the coin's reverse, you might get more accurate feedback here. (It would also let us see whether there's a mint mark. )

 

While you've already been given a reasonable explanation, and not to say you think this way, but I would caution against the belief that a coin should or needs to be slabbed. In your first post you state that you're trying to "determine whether or not to have the coin graded", so my first questions to you is why do you think it should and/or may need to be? There are thousands upon thousands of coins residing in holders that have no business being in one. There are, of course, many different reasons for this, but you as a collector (or so I assume) must look at the dollars and sense of the issue. First ask yourself what would a reasonable retail value, even in the best case scenario grade-wise, for this coin be if certified, then add the total costs of submission to the amount you've already invested into the coin. While certain coins definitely benefit from being certified, a majority do not, and submitting for one's self, while a fine way to learn, is also a good way to become buried and throw money down the drain. With the example in question, the condition and value simply do not warrant even the slightest consideration of having graded. This is in no way meant to say it may not be a nice coin, but just a simple and factual observation.

Take your time and make an honest effort to learn as much as possible about grading and your new hobby before worrying about such things as if a coin should be submitted or not. Most wise collectors realize that a coin is what it is, no matter the type of holder it resides in.

 

It's called "roll friction".

 

Here's a thread from three years ago where I was asking about a couple of "uncirculated" (according to their eBay seller) Walkers. Note the level of detail, especially on the first one.

Help grade my eBay "uncirculated" Walkers

And here's the thread I was thinking of for "roll friction" (Thanks, BB4C!):

PCGS 1939-D Walking Liberty Half

 

Well said Books.

 

Au-50 cleaned.

Now just send me the $.



PS: to all who ask the same question, anyone can grade.
But, you are really asking, 'should I have it slabbed'.

[And pray for a grade]

 

When I first saw this coin it looked brilliant minus other very tiny marks its seems almost flawless. But here are some extra photos. But im pretty sure you guys are right.

 

there isnt a mintmark

 

It is still hard to tell much of anything from the photos.

When imaging a coin, try to avoid such distracting backgrounds, and be sure to shoot from directly overhead while getting sufficient light upon the surfaces. Also, securing the camera with a tripod, copystand, or similar means can be highly beneficial.

 

Look at the eagle's chest and Liberty's leg, that's where you should first see traces of wear.

 

PS: My favorite Walker is a 1942 AU-58, so a common year and grade, just like yours, but it's a special coin for me and one I would never sell...

 

better pictures

 

better picture

 

I really like the Walking Liberty design, it's probably my favorite of all, and you have a nice looking piece. BUT, for this date, any grade under MS-64 isn't worth the money to have professionally certified. We could argue the exact grade of your coin and I'd say it might be AU-58, but no matter the photos it isn't going to hit Ms-64.
Enjoy it in the raw, the way coins are supposed to be!