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July 1, 2025My Journey with the 1837 Feuchtwanger Cent, PCGS XF 45
July 1, 2025
Barber Half Dollars have always fascinated me, but let’s be honest: grading them can be tough. It’s especially tricky when coins from different services get the same grade label. Recently, I tested my skills with a set of these beauties, and it really opened my eyes to the little details that matter in our hobby.
My Barber Half Dollar Grading Journey
Take the 1909-O, for instance. I kept going back and forth between F-15 and VF-20. Why? Well, Barber halves often wear down in key spots, especially the ‘LIBERTY’ on the headband. If that’s weak, it can drop the coin to Fine territory. I’ve seen coins that look like VF-25 but grade lower because of that. But this 1909-O? I felt it was a solid VF-20 because the details were just a bit sharper.
Some Interesting Design History
While I was looking at these coins, I remembered a neat piece of history: back in 1901, they started using a new reverse hub. Take the 1902-S — it’s from the old hub, so the ‘S’ in ‘E Pluribus’ is set farther from the ‘U’. Later coins, like the 1909-O, show the new hub with the letters closer together. Spotting these differences isn’t just fun — it can help with grading and authentication, and that’s what makes collecting so rewarding.
Handy Grading Tips for Your Barber Halves
After staring at these coins for hours, here’s what I’d suggest:
- First, look for wear in spots like ‘LIBERTY’ — if it’s weak, the grade might top out at F-15.
- Also, keep an eye out for reverse design differences. They can help you spot fakes and know when the coin was made.
- And don’t forget: the price difference between F-15 and VF-20 can be huge. So when you’re buying in that range, check every detail to avoid paying too much.
Why This Exercise Helped Me (and Can Help You)
This little experiment really drove home how subjective grading can be, but it’s a skill every collector should develop. I learned to be a bit more cautious with my grades, especially around the F to VF line. If you’re working on a set, try your own ‘guess the grade’ sessions — they’ll train your eye and help you find deals or dodge overpriced coins. Happy collecting, and keep practicing!
