1838 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Reeded Edge. HALF DOL. GR-10. Rarity-3.

1838 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Reeded Edge. HALF DOL. GR-10. Rarity-3. MS-62 (PCGS). Bold cartwheel luster catches the light on this nearly brilliant example, accented by light dusky-rose patina and a bold strike. Graham identifies three die states for the variety. In his Prime state there are no reverse cracks. In "Stage a," a single bisecting crack extends from the rim through the R of AMERICA and into the eagle's right wing, continues through the neck and left wing, and finally reaches the opposite rim. In "Stage b," a second bisecting crack develops from the rim through the A of AMERICA, crosses the eagle's head and beak, and eventually reaches the rim at left. The present coin is GR-10b, with this second crack most readily seen to the left of the eagle's head. Some chatter on Liberty's cheek and neck helps explain the grade; otherwise, one could be forgiven for assessing this as an MS-63 at first glance. The coin falls solidly within the Condition Census in both Graham's and Koenings' respective studies. Graham lists just one finer example, an MS-63, and only one other Mint State coin, a MS-61. Koenings' 2024 census records one MS-63 and two MS-62s, with no other Mint State examples known. At MS-62, the present coin is therefore tied for the second highest in Koenings' census. With so few Mint State representatives of the variety accounted for, the significance of the present offering to the advanced specialist should be readily apparent. Jim Koenings Commentary: Although rated R-3, this is my favorite die marriage, as I have several different die states, all very interesting. Provenance: From the Jim Koenings Collection. PCGS# 6177. NGC ID: 24G5. Click here for certification details from PCGS.

Estimate:$1

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