Free Half Cent Attribution Service 1 1

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

I have been thinking about how I can give back to the forum, and get experience in return.  I attribute half cents almost everyday on eBay for fun.  It's good practice and allows me to better understand the series.  Half certs tend to be generically attributed when graded (i.e. spiked chin), and oftentimes not at all.

So...If you have a random half cent and always wondered about it, post it (graded or raw)... and I will do my best to attribute it for you by Cohen Variety.  Obviously, the more worn the coin, the more difficult the task, but I will do my best to diagnose and explain the markers.

Also - There are much greater numismatic minds on the board....so, if you know the variety, feel free to call it out.  This is not "me against the world", this is for some fun, to help fellow members, and try to engage in more numismatic conversations.

May be great, may flop... time will tell.  But, I think this is something I can do for the boards.

[J P M]

That's a great idea Neo and very helpful on your part. I cant wait to see some samples.

[LOCK34]

A few examples to start. Have fun and thank you!!!

[LOCK34]

[LOCK34]

[LOCK34]

Third example photos very dark upon downloading. Will try for better photos later today if needed.

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

@LOCK34

Your 1829 is a C-1 (R.1).  There is only one variety for this date.  You can see the small crack coming off the C in the reverse which would be a diagnostic tool if there were more than one variety.

The first 1828 coin is a C-3 (R.1).  There are three varieties for this date.  You can tell that this is a C-3 because it has 13 stars on the obverse, the 2 in the date is a little lower, and the leaf tip of the reverse is under (and slightly passes) the last "s" in "STATES".

The second 1828 coin is a C-1 (R.1).  While a little more scarce than the C-3, it is still quite common.  The C-1 is known for having and evenly spaced date that was punched in an arch.  The tip of the leaf on the reverse falls under the last "s" in "States" but does not pass it.

[VKurtB]

REALLY nice detail on the 1829. 

[LOCK34]

Thank you!!!

As it states in the bible, “Free is good.”

[VKurtB]

On 10/15/2022 at 2:07 PM, LOCK34 said:

Thank you!!!

As it states in the bible, “Free is good.”

Compare the curl at the temple on the ‘28 with that on the first 1829. Amazing!

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

On 10/15/2022 at 3:07 PM, LOCK34 said:

As it states in the bible, “Free is good.”

Paying it forward is payment in full.

Edited October 15, 2022 by The Neophyte Numismatist

[Just Bob]

Here is one for you:

 

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

@Just Bob You coin is a C-3 (R.1).  There are three varieties for this date.  You can tell that this is a C-3 because it has 13 stars on the obverse, the 2 in the date is a little lower, and the leaf tip of the reverse is under (and slightly passes) the last "s" in "STATES".

(Note: the C-2 variety is one of the most interesting in the Classic Head Half Cent Series.  The C-2 has only 12 Stars, while C-1 and C-3 have the correct 13.  The die maker failed to punch that 13th star.)

[EagleRJO]

Somebody has a good amount of knowledge about half cents. Very impressive and commendable giving back on a board where one can learn quite alot. And also get help from some very knowledgeable and experienced people willing to donate their time to do that. 

[Just Bob]

On 11/6/2022 at 9:24 PM, The Neophyte Numismatist said:

@Just Bob You coin is a C-3 (R.1).  There are three varieties for this date.  You can tell that this is a C-3 because it has 13 stars on the obverse, the 2 in the date is a little lower, and the leaf tip of the reverse is under (and slightly passes) the last "s" in "STATES".

(Note: the C-2 variety is one of the most interesting in the Classic Head Half Cent Series.  The C-2 has only 12 Stars, while C-1 and C-3 have the correct 13.  The die maker failed to punch that 13th star.)

 I like the fact that you give the diagnostic points to go with your attribution.

We are in agreement on this one. (I also have it as Breen-2 and Bowers/Whitman-2)

[Just Bob]

Here is another one:

 

Edited November 7, 2022 by Just Bob
Images did not load

[EagleRJO]

On 11/6/2022 at 10:56 PM, Just Bob said:

 I like the fact that you give the diagnostic points to go with your attribution.

Somebody is rockin it. 

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

@Just Bob The 1803 is a C-3 (R.1.).  There are 4 varieties for this date.  The C-3 is best known for the "cross eyed zeros" in the fraction 1/200 on the reverse.  As you can see, the zeros in the fraction are very close together, making this one easy to attribute.

 

Edited November 7, 2022 by The Neophyte Numismatist
forgot to add rarity scale value