Second part of what I'd hope would be a several part journal through certification.

The 1832 Capped Bust Half Dime arrived yesterday and I didn't even have a loop on it before I was disappointed. When will I ever learn that pictures hide soooo much?

First the coin has been lightly cleaned on the obv - as it is showing subtle hairlines, but enough to guarantee a details slab, which was enough to make this deal a loser.

Then the surface condition of this coin is deplorable and something given the angulation and distance of the original picture was incredibly not visible. The seller sold the coin as an MS 64, which I figured had to be high, but I had hoped for at least a 62. Given the surface condition I doubt this coin would garner more than an MS 60. The surfaces are so bad that I almost have myself talked into this coin being a cast counterfeit...

Bummer...

The good news is I'm returning it to sender for a refund. I guess the morale of the story is if you are going to be stupid and buy raw coins without having them in hand always check the return policy.

Today's pic the reverse of the 1832 half dime. Comments would be appreciated.

Todd

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