Value of a bent 1853 half dime?

[kyphote]

I dug this half dime last week at a Confederate camp. Realizing condition is everything, I have a feeling it isn't worth much, but curious as to how much a bend like this will affect value. My sincere thanks for your expert eyes.

 

[mainer]

Too bad that coins a nice one other then the bend. Im not sure what its worth. I would say melt or a little above. But thats just a guess.

Mainer

 

[kyphote]

Got a hammer and two pieces of wood?

I'm just sayin.....

Yes, good point! Is there a way to flatten it? Also, if it wasn't bent what would it be worth? I'm a man who invites regret.

 

[mainer]

minus the scratch on the reverse and the bend would probably grade close to Extra fine, making it worth $65. Not sure on the straightning great find though.

Mainer

 

[kyphote]

minus the scratch on the reverse and the bend would probably grade close to Extra fine, making it worth $65. Not sure on the straightning great find though.

Mainer

Thanks Mainer!

 

[DigginThePast]

As is without the bend I would say $25 +/-, the scratches detract from it. In the current condition, maybe $10 +/-? If it were me I might try to straighten it. I'd do as Spooky suggested, use two blocks of wood but would try pressing in a vise rather than the hammer (at least at first).

 

[bula]

I agree with Mainer, If you take a hammer you can place the coin in between two pieces of wood & strighten it out. I do not think it will hurt the coin. AU at least.

 

[fmerg]

you can straighten it out by placing it between your thumbs
my son found one that was also bent and the coin dealer did that
you could not tell

 

[kyphote]

you can straighten it out by placing it between your thumbs
my son found one that was also bent and the coin dealer did that
you could not tell

Placing between my thumbs and using a hammer? My grip isn't exactly vice-like. Let me give all these ideas a try and repost. THANKS!

 

[jdsarasin8194]

Got a hammer and two pieces of wood?

I'm just sayin.....

Yes, good point! Is there a way to flatten it? Also, if it wasn't bent what would it be worth? I'm a man who invites regret.

Lol... Seriously Guy, I don't know.. I would check with somebody who knows coins first..

But if you can straighten it out without ruining it...... DON'T take my word on that.. I don't know if that will work.

if you're gunu try it that way, do light, easy taps... should work

 

[Diver_Down]

If you are going to try the blocks of wood or vice, be sure to wrap the blocks or the coin with a cloth. You would hate for the "teeth" of the vice to gnash into the obverse/reverse. Same goes for the block of wood, you don't want the blocks to slide across the surface and do more damage.

 

[Kantuckkeean]

I'd bend a couple of modern dimes for practice coins first. Good luck.

 

[Maryland Searcher 2]

A nice piece of heavyish leather and vise grips may do the job also. Untanned side facing the coin of course.

 

[fistfulladirt]

Been a couple weeks, did it ever turn out?