ccarroll Posted December 8, 2011 Report Share Posted December 8, 2011 I'm a newbie going through a stash of older coins that I'd forgotten about, nothing particularly collectible, mostly quarters, some half-dollars, from the silver era, 1940s-1960s. But I was emptying out a roll of half-dollars, mostly Kennedys, and suddenly saw something totally different: 1938! I'd never seen one before. I don't have a coin book, but when I looked online, I figured it's something called a Capped Bust. Is it worth anything substantially more than the Liberties, Franklins and Kennedys? It's not in good condition, though. Everything is legible, but hardly any relief left and none of the ridging around the rim. And, no, sorry, I'm not able to post a picture. (By the way, I'm still looking unsuccessfully for a vendor or local club in New York City.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art1.2 Posted December 8, 2011 Report Share Posted December 8, 2011 An 1838 half is a great find no matter what condition it's in. NYC resources? I can't help much there. If the ANA doesn't have a club listed in your area it only means that they don't but non-affiliated clubs could well exist. Maybe calling a "local" dealer would get you info on clubs in your area. It can also get you info on local shows. There are a number of really top notch dealers in NYC. While they may not help much with bullion and such, having a look at a nice 1838 half would be right up their alley. Best of luck with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finn235 Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 Obviously, the price depends on the condition, but my book puts the average buying price for your coin around $40-50. Very nice find, especially from a batch of modern coins! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtryka Posted December 9, 2011 Report Share Posted December 9, 2011 It certainly depends on grade, but this is much better than any Walking Liberty, Franklin or silver Kennedy! Great find and post some photos when you can and we might be able to help more. This was the 3rd year of the reeded edge half dollar (1836-39), and marked a reduction in diameter from the earlier bust halves to match our modern specifications (diameter, weight, silver content, etc.). Enjoy it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccarroll Posted December 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 14, 2011 Thanks so much! If only it were worth $50,000 instead of $50! But still, it was a fun surprise when it tumbled out of the coin wrapper and I pounced on it. I have a rumor of club, though not in Manhattan, but oddly can't track them down (so far). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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