1898 Barber Half Dollar

[Mcdetect]

Yesterday I found my first half dollar...and it just happened to be a nice 1898 Barber half dollar. I found it at a pounded city park no less. Not sure how this one eluded detectors for so long but I'm sure glad it did. It was between 7 and 9 inches deep. It read between 07-08 fe and 47 co on my etrac. My pinpointing was pretty off which makes me think it may have been masked by something or on edge. I was too dumbfounded by my find to take the time to check to see if there was something nearby masking it. luckily I did not hit it with my digger.

The coolest part of the story is that immediately before going out to hunt I happened to read the thread linked below about "how many half dollars have you found" and was thinking to myself how it sucks that I had not found any half dollars ever. Here is that thread...

http://www.findmall.com/read.php?63,1503110

I'll post a picture soon.

 

[Mcdetect]

Here are the pictures. It was in wet ground so it came out tarnished.

 

[trojdor]

Very Nice!

mike

 

[CZconnoisseur]

What a beauty! Still have yet to find my first Barber half....but that day gets closer everyday

 

[calabash digger]

man thats a nice coin!

 

[MattBullSummerville]

Great condition too. Get a value on it.
HH

 

[Mcdetect]

Yeah the condition is pretty darn nice. I will see if I can find a place nearby that would provide a value. I looked online for values and it seems like the value should be somewhere between $20 (good cond) and $100 (Very Fine cond) for a 1898 P Barber Half.

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

Outstanding find !

 

[always diggin 2]

Congratulations!

 

[mcb613]

With the oxidation condition,I would. Ertainly dip that coin. Its got nice detail and wont be any worse value dipping, but will look good.
My opinion!

 

[Mcdetect]

I was afraid to do anything to it. Are you talking about dipping in baking soda or something else?

 

[mcb613]

Coin dip. If your near Delaware, I have some and would do it for you. Its specificslly for coins.

 

[Mcdetect]

Unfortunately I'm 6 hours from Delaware but thanks for the kind offer. I'll look into the dip. Most of what is on the coin is tarnish. However I think there may be some oxidation on liberty's cheek and forehead.

 

[mcb613]

I think its called EZ dip. Ill check and if different , I'll let you know. Larger coun dealers should have it, but available onlune.
I dont think I eould worry about any corrosion, just dip it.
I fid have a key daye Barber dime that had some surface crud that was like black tar. Nothing touched it, so I did he aluminum foil trick on it snd it looks good. Once again if has corrosion or heavy oxidation, cant do any eorsevto the vslue, IN MOST CASES! Obvious rare coins, shouldn't ever be messed with, other than a professional conservator.
Good luck with it, the details look nice and would look good.

 

[msareborn]

Still on my bucket list. Great find.

 

[kschae4]

Congrats, very nice detail.