Lot 931
1808 Capped Bust Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-65. Nice blue toning around the edges. The estimated production of 1,368,600 half dollars dated 1808 was accomplished using ten obverse dies and nine reverse dies. This combination, or marriage, of nineteen dies produced ten die varieties. On this scarcer O-102 variety, the obverse has the 08 in the date distinctly closer than 180 and there are sharp crosslines in the bottom of L. A die crack extends from the rim through the left side of the 0 in the date and to the base of the bust, tracing lightly on up into some curls above. As on most seen thus far, a broad die break or chip joins the lower left wing to the tail feathers.
A frosted white Gem whose color is mainly silvery except nearing the periphery, one of the rare 1808s in that it has a sharp strike and flashy luster. Circumstances with the bloom off the dies being what it is, sharp-edged devices and lettering throughout add nicely to the coin's merit. Pop 3; 5 finer; 4 in 66; 1 in 68.
Estimated Value $12,000 - 13,000.
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| Realized $13,800 |
