Has the hair design on this half cent been tooled? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4182&item=3941731141&rd=1 IT sold for $680 !!!!
I'd be very suspicious that it has, however, I couldn't say for sure without looking at it under a 10x.
Way too hard to tell from the pics provided. There are some areas on the reverse that would worry me. If you look at 9 O'clock on the reverse rim you will see what I am talking about. Other concerns that jump out at me. There are several varieties of the 1804 Half Cent. All with varying values. If indeed this coin has not been altered, why is it not slabbed? With a wholesale value of near $5000, $28 slabbing fees seem very reasonable.
It's absolutely amazing that people will drop $500+ on something that can barely been seen and examined. There are no details, no grading, nothing...just 2 "slanted" photographs. Oh, but he/she does mention that this "type" of coin could be worth over $5000. Wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole.
I find this coin very suspicious. I don't like the complete lack of denticles on the obverse. I understand that most of these coins were off-center and often the denticles are sparse, but if this coin is an MS65 as the seller states, there should be something. The coloring and shine also don't look right to me. I'd bet $20 that the coin has been recolored or some type of coating is on the surface. The area on the reverse rim mentioned by ND is definitely a cause for concern. Doesn't look MS65 to me. I think it is very possible that the hair may have been retooled, but I can't tell that from the lousy pictures. This seller has sold a number of coins and placed grades on all of them. It would seem to me then that this seller has some numismatic knowledge. Why wouldn't they have sent it to one of the Big Four to be graded/slabbed? They could have even taken to a coin show to be graded and not had to let it out of their sight. I find this entire auction very suspicious and would recommend staying away from it.
Normally I refrain from comments on coins like this simply because they are beyond the scope of my knowledge. But that is in regard to the particulars - not the basics. I do not think this coin would be slabbed by any of the major companies - it would be returned as damaged if nothing else - the area on the reverse Nd mentioned. I also think the coin has been artificially colored. As for tooling - it certainly looks like it to me.
Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I had no intentions of buying this coin, just wanted confirmation on my observation. My eye is improving on details.
Hard to tell if there has been any retooling form the photos. It is a common variety, could be UNC, but it is pretty obvious that the surfaces have been cleaned and retoned. Even so, an AU coin could be worth the $600 if it isn't whizzed and there is no significant corrosion damage. CDB
$600? Sorry, but a true AU 1804 Half Cent has a current bid of $350.00 With the above mentioned damage, recoloring, and possible retooling this coin would net VF on its best day. (and that is very kind) Value $100.
