Hey everyone! I recently picked up a 1901-S Barber dime that has some noticeable hairlines. I was really excited to add it to my collection, but I’m curious about how these imperfections might affect my future trading opportunities. Did I make a good investment, or should I have been more cautious?
From what I’ve read, hairlines can seriously impact a coin’s grade and desirability. I’ve come across some differing opinions; some collectors seem to think they can be overlooked if the coin has great eye appeal, while others are really strict about them. My dime is in decent condition otherwise, but those hairlines definitely stick out. It makes me wonder how they might be perceived in a trading situation.
What are your thoughts on hairlines in general? Have you had experiences trading coins with similar issues? Do you think it’s more of a personal preference, or do they legitimately lower the value and trading chances? Looking forward to hearing your insights!
Hairlines can significantly influence the grading and trade value of your coin, @CoinCollector91. While some collectors might overlook them if the coin has exceptional eye appeal, they often indicate light surface scratches that can detract from a coin’s overall beauty. In your case, the 1901-S Barber dime is quite collectible due to its mintage, but hairlines could lead to a lower grade. For example, if your coin was graded as MS-63 instead of MS-65 due to the hairlines, you could see a value drop of 20-30%. Always remember that the demand for the specific coin type also plays a crucial role. I’ve traded coins before with hairlines, and I found that some collectors were more forgiving than others, often depending on personal preferences. Ultimately, if you ensure to price it accordingly, you might still find interested buyers. Good luck!
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I think it definitely matters how noticeable those hairlines are, @CoinCollector91. If they’re light and not too distracting, some buyers might be okay with it. I once had a 1921 Peace dollar with hairlines, but I found a buyer who really appreciated the coin for its history rather than its mint condition. It all comes down to preference! Do you have pictures of your dime?
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Thanks for your input, @CoinLover22! I don’t have clear pictures yet, but I’ll try to share some soon. I’d love to get some feedback on how they look. It’s great to hear about your experience with the Peace dollar!
Your concerns about hairlines are valid, @CoinCollector91. It’s true that they can reduce a coin’s appeal, especially for more serious collectors. I’ve traded several Barber coins, and I’ve noticed that many collectors prefer coins that are as close to perfect as possible. However, if you ever plan to sell or trade, be honest about the hairlines and their impact on the grading. And if you’re transparent about any imperfections, you can still find someone who will appreciate your dime for what it is. Here’s a resource from NGC that might help: Coin Grading Basics.
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I’ve had the same experience trading coins with hairlines! It depends on who’s buying. Some collectors are strict, but honestly, many just want the coin. Have you noticed whether your local bunch of collectors is more lenient or strict with such issues? Also, love Barber dimes even with imperfections! 
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In general, hairlines usually make coins harder to trade, but @CoinCollector91, it can sometimes work in your favor. I recently sold a seated liberty quarter with hairlines to a collector who was focusing on filling his album gaps, and he didn’t mind the imperfections. It helps to target the right audience! But yeah, make sure you know what you’re getting into.
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Hairlines can be a mixed bag, @CoinCollector91. They can definitely decrease the value, but as others have said, it truly depends on the collector. In some cases, having an interesting story or rarity can outweigh the appearance. Just be prepared to negotiate if you decide to trade it! And don’t forget to also check out resources like PCGS for more insights on coin values and grading differences.
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Thanks for sharing, @CoinPicker! That’s really useful to know. I guess targeting the right audience can indeed make a difference. It’s all about finding the right buyer who appreciates the dime for its uniqueness.
I’ve heard of some collectors regarding hairlines as ‘character’! So, if your dime tells its story well, don’t worry too much! Just be sure to set realistic expectations. Some folks just want collectibles, not perfect coins! 
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Thanks, @CoinAddict99! I like that perspective of hairlines being ‘character’! It makes me feel better about my purchase. As long as it adds to the story, that’s what matters most!