1832 O.117 R4+ Capped Bust Half Dollar, NGC MS62

Description

In my long history specializing in Bust half dollars, dating back to 1984, the best I’ve ever owned of this die marriage is AU58.  I’ve owned three in that grade, two of them CAC approved.  One of them was nearly a twin to this coin.  Nearly.  True curmudgeons (like me) will find a bare hint of rub on the cheek, the cap, a wave of hair and the bust tip, and maybe the eagle’s forehead (I’m resisting googling what that is called).  But this coin is not by any means out of place in an MS62 holder.  In fact, much more often than not, this coin is exactly what you get in an MS62 holder.  Cartwheel in the fields is 98% complete.  The surfaces are, for the assigned grade, clean and free of marks.  The light, antique golden gray toning is fully original and very attractive.  There are no distractions.  The strike, especially considering the second use of this reverse die is very bold.  The coin is quite lovely, and important.  I believe it fits comfortably within the Condition Census, even if you were to consider it a 58+.  It is quite notable that Steve Herrman, in his trusty AMBPR, lists no sale of a Mint State example of this rarity…or a 58+ for that matter.  This is Die State 117.1, per the BHNC’s new die state handbook, “Die State Progressions of the Capped Bust Half Dollar Die Varieties 1807-1836”, which is a very modest cost item, available right here on our website. Please see our Numismatic Literature section, and get your copy today!