This might have been answered before but I can’t find it. Is it possible to re-edge liberty halfs yourself? What are the tools? How long does it take? How much does somebody else charge for this procedure? Thanks in advance guys and gals.

I have never done this...but it is a good idea.

An exacto knife?

I would be interested to see what people with this experience has to say.

Astinus, it seems like it might not be that hard, right? Downside is I'd hate to screw up my old coins.

Yeah. I know what you mean. I just have never done it before...

Way back in the 70's I got a Chinatown Half set that was made by Johnson Products. The Chinatown coin had a milled edge, but the Chinatown part of the gimmick didn't. I went around the coin with a very thin edged hobby file and filed grooves into the brass Chinatown part. I followed the milled grooves of the Half part in order to get them even and consistent. It probably didn't take more than a half hour, and the results were satisfactory.

I had the advantage of an existing set of grooves to follow, plus I had a fair amount of experience doing miniature modeling and metal work. I'm not sure I would recommend trying this on real silver coins, but if you're handy with small tools you may be able to set up a jig of some sort to help keep the milling even. Maybe place the silver Half between a pair of newer Halves with crisp milled edges, clamp lightly, then file by following the milled edges of the coins above and below the one you're working on.

Beyond that I suppose you could have the edges refurbished by a precision machine shop, but it would probably cost a lot less to locate and purchase coins in better condition than those you want re-edged.

If you try it yourself and wreck a nice coin, don't blame this idiot on the Magic Café board who said it -might- be possible.

Greg

Geemack- I have followed your advice and have ruined four rare Denver issue liberty half dollars. I am going through the official channels at the Café here to seek reimbursement for the coins and additional monies for emotional distress.
;) Frank

This can be and has been done by some of the really dedicated coin guys here at the Café. Techniques vary, but the general idea is to use something to clamp two coins together, so that one coin may be used as the guide for cutting the other.

I have seen coins re-edged by knives, files and jeweler's saws. It depends on what you're used to, and how long you want the grooving to last.

Or, you can have your entire set of coins remilled and edged by either Jamie Schoolcraft or Todd Lassen. I hear they both do an excellent job.

I will be asking Jamie about this soon. Also about some odd ideas.

Jamie does great work, Just had him make me a few goodies. Excellent work!!!



Joe

Any idea on the price per coin?

I re-mill the edges on soft coins using a 4-axis CNC mill and a special broaching tool - the grooves are created one at a time; 150 grooves on a half-dollar and 180 grooves on silver dollar. Controlled by a computer, they come out better than new.

I've done this on other guys' coins and have charged $5 per coin - steep compared with the price of a worn out half and even compared to the price of a silver dollar. But the results are perfect and the finished coins palm like they had Velcro on them.

Too bad you don't live in Alaska; you could stop by the studio and I'd re-mill them while you wait

Regards,
Thomas Wayne