1838 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Reeded Edge. HALF DOL. GR-6. Rarity-3.

1838 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Reeded Edge. HALF DOL. GR-6. Rarity-3. MS-61 (NGC). Deep slate patina evenly envelops both sides of this Mint State GR-6, though isolated areas of silvery iridescence become visible under a strong light. A series of parallel planchet roller streaks at stars 7 through 9 are noted and are as made. Several Reeded Edge half dollar varieties, most famously the 1839 Small Letters GR-1, are invariably found with these roller streaks, while on many other varieties they appear only occasionally. Graham identifies the late die state of GR-6 as "Stage a," which occurred after die lapping. The present coin displays the necessary diagnostics on both sides. Liberty's forecurl is slightly separated from her forehead, a crack extending from star 2 into Liberty's neck is faint but present, and a bisecting reverse crack extends from the rim through the S of STATES and terminates at the period after DOL. Graham notes that examples in this advanced state are more difficult to locate than those struck before the bisecting crack developed. A desirable Condition Census coin in its own right, with additional appeal for the die state collector seeking Graham's elusive "Stage a." Jim Koenings Commentary: This die marriage is rated R-3 (201 to 500 known). The obverse die was previously used in the 1838 GR-5 marriage. Provenance: From the Jim Koenings Collection. PCGS# 6177. NGC ID: 24G5. Click here for certification details from NGC.

Estimate:£0.75

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