I find this range to be interesting and thought this coin was a good one to discuss it. Here's my take on this specimen (All IMHO) : 1. The fields have that nice multi-colored, subdued but present luster going on that I see on a lot of original half dimes in this range. This surfaces are indicative of a black and white crusty silver CircCam that does not cross the line into Environmental Damage. 2. I think the the details are XF. Here are some comparison examples from HA: 1853 Arrows H10C PCGS XF40, 1853 H10C PCGS XF45. 3. BUT, she ain't perfect. Granted, these half dimes are tiny, but here are closer views of the rim nick at ~11:57 on the obverse, 6:33 on the reverse: 3. (cont'd.) - Pretty minimal as rim dings go particularly on such a small type, but notable for sure. 4. In the obverse right field, there looks to be some clashing going on? Maybe @ToughCOINS @Paddy54 @C-B-D or someone else experienced with H10C's can either confirm or explain otherwise. (*Note: These next two are intentionally not cropped to give a perspective closer to the in-hand look possible.) 5. The reverse is crusty, but pretty clean other than the nicks on the rim. SUMMARY: I would grade this coin VF35. To me the rim nicks aren't severe enough to detail it, but they are enough to take it out of XF. I think it's perfect for an album coin which is where it is going, but what do you think a TPG would say? Would it detail on the rim nicks, slide at XF, go down to 30? I find these grey areas interesting and am always eager to learn how TPG's judge coins like this.
I'm no Paddy54, but I'm somewhere in 35-40 range. Great look on this coin, and I really dig the die clashes!!
This is I believe an Valentine #4 , better in hand to make the offical call. There looks to be a straight line die crack on the reverse. To the right of the M of America. Also looks to be in the m in dime. I say the area in question is clash marks. Grade wise a VF. with out the damage most probably xf. The reverse is type ll type V obverse. 13,210,020 mintage.
Minus the rim disturbances, an XF every day of the week. Possible net VF, although I suspect it would grade XF40 with both PCGS & NGC because of the superior circam look.
It is clashed lightly on both sides. As far as grade, I'm at VF30 to 35. The strike is HARD. Look at those stars and rim dentils! Based on that, I believe the head details should be more full if it were a strike weakness. Similarly, the inside lines of the reverse leaves should be more defined as well... again indicating wear as opposed to strike weakness. I'll have to trust you on the luster comment, but I see none in the pics, which isn't surprising with that deep, blackish, original toning. For XF40, I'd look for more head and leaf detail.
A small group of really nice looking H10's auctioned earlier this morning on EBay. I took a couple half-hearted swings, but nothing that won. Later in the day I'm looking at the hammer prices and kicking myself a bit. They'll be back though!! If not them, others will be.
Thanks for the informative takes, all. Glad to see you guys agree that it likely wouldn't be detailed despite the rim. For 30 I'm happy. Yeah, can't tilt a photo. Just looked through and this one of the reverse shows it at least a little better.
The straight one from the M in America is present as you mentioned. The one through the M in dime starts at the SW rim between the N and the I of UNITED, goes through the wreath and every letter of DIME, back through the wreath, through the R and I of AMERICA and to the SE rim. Another small one through STATES and one through HALF as well. Combined with the clashes there's a lot going on... would love to see one of these in MS.
I thought it xf 40 but they’ve been really harsh on seared coins lately I see the 36? On cbds coin tho
