1838 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Reeded Edge. HALF DOL. GR-12. Rarity-4.

1838 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Reeded Edge. HALF DOL. GR-12. Rarity-4. AU-53 (PCGS). GR-12 is a scarcer variety that combines the obverse die previously used for GR-9 with the reverse die from GR-11. The obverse in particular was heavily lapped, with noticeable deterioration where Liberty's forecurl meets the headband. The easiest diagnostic for the variety, however, is the more advanced state of the reverse cracks compared with GR-11. Most readily apparent is the crack extending upward between the AL of HALF to the eagle's claw, which is considerably more prominent here. The surfaces are fairly even antique-silver with minimal marks or distractions. Original luster remains in the protected areas among the obverse stars and portions of the reverse legend. In his 2024 census, Koenings assigned GR-12 a Rarity-3 rating. Jim Koenings Commentary: Koenings Newsletter #64 (12-15-24) rated this die marriage R-3, compared with the earlier R-4 rating. Even so, it may still be the third rarest for the year 1838, with GR-5 (R-6) and GR-16 (R-5) both rarer. Provenance: From the Jim Koenings Collection. PCGS# 6177. NGC ID: 24G5. Click here for certification details from PCGS.

Estimate:$1

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