found a 1897 O Barber Half Dollar key date !

[justdigging50]

This coin was only 3" inches deep. I'm still in shock

 

[Trezurehunter]

Re: found a 1897 Barber Half Dollar !

Great half. I'm still looking for my first Barber Half.

 

[jdsarasin8194]

Re: found a 1897 Barber Half Dollar !

 

[justdigging50]

Nice Barber Half, your hauling in some great coins this year. Did you video this one?

Thanks for the feedback guys.
I filmed this one but I said to much much on camera and showed to much about my location, I can't post it.

 

[CladMaster]

That's one FAT find. I want to find a silver half dollar badly.

 

[Brian(upstateNY-Central Fla.)]

Great find for sure

 

[Tuberale]

First, GREAT coin! Near banner IMO!

I would not "clean" it, either. But I would vote to "conserve" it, which might also show greater detail, increasing the $ value. Using Q-tips dipped in acetone, gently brush over the coin in a clockwise direction while rotating the Qtip to absorb any sand/grit still on the coin. Acetone removes only organic debris, so patina conserved. One end of a Qtip should clean most of one side of a coin, but don't be afraid to use several: better to be gentle than sorry, and you'll have lots left over for the future.

Actone is flammable and volatile. It should be stored tightly sealed in a cool area. It should also be used in well-ventilated areas or outside.

My initial reaction would be grading this coin VG8, using James F. Ruddy's Photograde as a guide. You MUST be able to read at least 3 full letters or combination of letters in Liberty's headband to *prove* VG8. I can see L and at least a portion of I. Y may or may not be present. That's why I'd conserve this coin: to *prove* the grade, plus to get rid of some of the black gunk on it, which could be hiding other damage.

 

[Sim_Player]

I would NOT clean it at all!

Leaving it uncleaned leaves some mystery to the object.

I don't blame you for protecting the location but some general details of where you found it would be helpful (old house under an oak tree, etc.)

Sweet, I'm happy for ya!!!!

Jim

 

[Tuberale]

I would NOT clean it at all!

Leaving it uncleaned leaves some mystery to the object.

I don't blame you for protecting the location but some general details of where you found it would be helpful (old house under an oak tree, etc.)

Sweet, I'm happy for ya!!!!

Jim

After reading Sim_Player's reply, I took another look at the photos. I'm going to have to go back on my suggestion to clean this coin: it may be either a fake or extremely rare.

Look closely at the excellent photos of the reverse, paying close attention to the olive branch in the eagle's talon: there are what appear to be extra leaves between the leaves that should be there. Could be either an unknown variety or a fake.

Take it to a reputable coin dealer before doing ANYTHING for a second opinion on this. No varieties listed in PCGS for this mintmark and date. But if I can see it, others will likely see it too.

Good Luck!

 

[PressedTrousers]

Value?

 

[Tuberale]

Value?

As with all rarities, whatever people are willing to pay for it.

Coin would have to be confirmed by experts. I'd suggest PCGS or ANACS, but that's just me.

I've never seen an 1897 O half nor had the opportunity to examine it up close before. If no other coins with the same error are found, it is probably a forgery. But if other errors are found, the number of known error coins will determine the value.

Looking at 1897 O half dollar reverse sides on the Internet should provide a good indication of whether your find is authentic or forgery, and also give an estimated population, by determining how many other such coins exist.

 

[Tuberale]

Just spent more time with your photos of the reverse. There appears to be doubling in the olive branch, the A of STATES, all letters of DOLLAR, and maybe elsewhere. This would tend to confirm an identification of DDR (Doubled Die Reverse). If confirmed by experts. I've been wrong before.

 

[Hunter]

Excellent find!!!

 

[september]

Nice find!

 

[allen]

wtg on that beauty !!

 

[Tuberale]

To justdigging50:

Because this coin may be double die reverse and it is a good idea to get second opinions on such a coin, please also add your photos, especially the reverse of the coin, to the What's It Worth forum. If others cannot see the doubling I see, it may not be a DDR. No comments either way at this time that I can see.

 

[justdigging50]

Just spent more time with your photos of the reverse. There appears to be doubling in the olive branch, the A of STATES, all letters of DOLLAR, and maybe elsewhere. This would tend to confirm an identification of DDR (Doubled Die Reverse). If confirmed by experts. I've been wrong before.

Thanks for checking the pics over and noticing the A in States is different looking. I took some more pics. I only notice the A in States to maybe a double. I'll try to bring it somewhere to get checked out this weekend. I'll post updates if it turns out to be something good.
Thanks Ed

 

[Tuberale]

New pics exactly what was needed. Each time I look at them, I seen something new and indicative of DDR. This time, it's the stars: do you see it?

 

[tonyclayton]

To my mind the odd shape of the A is due to physical damage. You can see an impact point that has spread the metal a bit.

 

[Tuberale]

To my mind the odd shape of the A is due to physical damage. You can see an impact point that has spread the metal a bit.

On the A alone, that might be possible. But the second T in STATES has a slight doubling to the right, which is opposite the apparent doubling in the A. Many of the stars also have odd doublings in them, with the rays pointed in different directions from the final strike: another minor point which adds up in the doubling favor. With apparent doubling both to the right and left of the final strike, this may be a triple strike IMO.

 

[justdigging50]

I brought the coin to a local dealer. He thought the grade should be VG. Worth about $170 maybe less because of scratches. He didn't think it was a double die. When I get a chance I'm going to bring it to some more coin shops.
Thanks ED