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Collecting Bust Half Dollars can be approached from several vantage points. Most individuals build early United Stated coinage type sets and required only one example of the Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, Capped Bust and Reeded Edge halves. Then there are the variety specialists who take collecting to a precise level by seeking out individual die pairings within a date.

The Overton and Parsley reference books for collecting Bust halves by variety are well known and loved. All Gerry Fortin Rare Coin offerings are attributed to the Overton variety classification system. Rarity numbers are from the same source. When no rarity number is shown, then an R1 (common) rarity is implied.

GFRC has joined with Dave Cinquina to cross-link Bust Half Dollar variety information. Dave is constructing a free online resource (BustHalfAddict.com) that illustrates the Overton varieties with GFRC providing sponsorship. As a result of this partnership, each GFRC listing carries an Overton number and link to the relevant page at BustHalfAddict.com. By simple clicking on the Overton number, access to specific variety information and high resolution images is provided at the Dave Cinquina site.

Happy Hunting to all! Please do not hesitate to provide feedback on how Gerry Fortin Rare Coins might improve your Bust Half Dollar acquisition experience.

There are 29 Coins for Sale. New coin(s) added on August 12, 2024

Photo	Date	Grade	TPG	Variety	GFRC Rating	Price	Description	Buy
Flowing Hair
There are currently no coins for sale fitting this criteria.
Draped Bust
	1807	F15	ANACS 301536	O-102	Choice	$550	Circulated Draped Bust Type Candidate, Crusty Coin Gray, Honest Wear, Lakeland Collection. Consignor Pricing Reduction. A pleasing circulated 1807 Draped Bust half with crusty gray patina and honest wear. More will be discussed on Friday. Immediately available. Housed in first generation ANACS old white holder.
Capped Bust
	1807 Large Stars 50/20	VF35	PCGS 47531159	O-112	Choice	$1025	Large Stars 50/20, Steely Fields, Rose-Gray, Peripheral Blues. A bright light inspection of this 1807 O-112 example revealed gray colored patina and moderate rose hues. Peripheral blues, on both sides, nicely frame the centers. The O-112 is well known as the Large Stars 50/20 due to a residual 2 punch under the final 5 digit in the denomination. This example is strictly original with steely fields that are well preserved. Strike is typical of the issue with weakness at the obverse center and eagle wing feather definition. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2024) holder with CAC approval.
	1810	EF40	PCGS 31648585	O-102	Choice	$600	Popular Early Date, Steely Frosted Luster, Well Preserved, Sooner Collection. The Sooner Collection has dug deep in his numismatic cabinet and released two pleasing Capped Bust halves. The first is an 1810 O-102 with circular die cracks at the lower obverse and throughout the reverse. This attractive example retains is steely frosted luster, especially at the peripheries. One has to wonder how a larger silver piece can experience moderate wear to the EF grade while still exhibiting this much brilliance when placed under a bright light. Surfaces are well preserved and choice with ample original mint frost. Toning is primarily rose shades with peripheral gold. This variety can be attributed by bold repunching on star 12. Housed in PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) Dupont hologram holder.
	1811 Small 8	AU53	NGC 4344854001	O-110	Choice	$950	Steely Reflectance, Peripheral Gold, Choice Original, Sooner Collection.. If a fan of the early John Reich Capped Bust design, this 1811 Small 8 might be of interest. Another Sooner Collection release, this lot presents steely reflective surfaces with a hint of frosted mint bloom. Essentially untoned and brilliant with a copper-gold band at the stars with lighter coloration at the reverse legend. Strike is typical of the issue with elevated stars on the right obverse while the left stars are weakly impressed. Surfaces have a few well hidden contact points of no consequence. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
	1811 Small 8	EF45	ANACS OWH 772989	O-109	Choice	$750	Small 8, Steely Fields, Peripheral Gold, Residual Luster and Cartwheels, Sooner Collection. They say that good thing come in small packages which is applicable to this 1811 O-109 Capped Bust half. Another Sooner Collection release with steely fields and a surprising amount of reflective luster. Cartwheels are considerable and consistent with the AU grade level. Centers are mostly untoned with light gold and darker shades at the peripheries. A bold reverse die crack is seen from (S)TATES into the left facing wing. Fields are smooth and free of any notable marks. Overall, a quality example. Housed in ANACS old white holder.
	1813	AU58	NGC 4925698009	O-110	Choice	$2150	Challenging Early Date at Grade, Steely-Frosted Luster, Choice Surfaces. Early Capped Bust halves are notorious for weakly struck centers. An anonymous consignor has released this duplicate with a fully struck obverse and reverse centers. Liberty's hair curls are deeply impressed and visually refreshing. Yes, there is strike weakness that suggests an uneven planchet or dies. An unquestionably original survivor with steely fields that offer reflectance consistent through the crusty rose-gold and blue patina. As usual, the reverse is lightly toned with bold steely luster. Under a 10x, a faint hairline is seen on Liberty's neck that is mostly toned and is not evident on the image. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
	1814	AU50	PCGS 83089023	O-107a	Choice	$1395	"Mouse" on Liberty's Nose, Rare 1814 Overton Die State, Choice Preservation, CAC Approved. There are many cool Overton varieties in the Capped Bust half dollar series including the 1814 O-107a "Mouse" on Liberty's Nose. During a later die state, the dies are heavily clashed along with a die crack occurring at Liberty's nose. Collectors can't resist locating cool names for their favorite die varieties. As important is the perfect preservation with choice surfaces with light golden-gray on the obverse. Reverse toning is consistent gray with hints of gold at the lower reverse. This lot last sold at Sheridan Downey January 2023 at $1705 all in and is in the condition census per the Bustaddict half dollar website. This variety, in an earlier die state, is best known for producing the Judd 44 platinum half-dollars. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval.
	1814	EF40	PCGS 33105072	O-103	Choice	HOLD $860	Light Gray Patina, Residual Steely Luster, Choice Surfaces, Accurately Graded. The 1814 O-103 die variety is easily attributed by a deep die scratch from the upper left wing to the left end of the scroll. This O-103 example is nicely preserved choice surfaces along with residual steely luster. Toning is a medium light gray with embedded rose on the obverse while the reverse exhibits natural coin gray. Mint frost is seen within the protected areas and predominately surrounding the motifs. Strike is typical for the issue. Accurately graded and housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval.
	1818	AU55	NGC 3174053006	O-114a	Choice	$1525	Near-Gem, Steely Fields, Sharp Reflective Luster, CAC Approval. A gorgeous 1818 Capped Bust half that belongs in an advanced collection. Steely fields provide sharp reverse luster along with a moderate helpin in the obverse. Darker greenish-gray in-hand appearance shifts to pastel rose, gold, and blues during bright light inspection. The reverse cartwheel action is vibrant. Surfaces are essentially unabraded with only a single tick in the middle left obverse field warranting mention. Well struck with fully formed stars and all reverse motifs. Guaranteed to please the new owner. Housed in NGC Gen 17 (2004-2008) holder with CAC approval.
	1818	EF45	PCGS 12901397	O-108	Choice	$695	Pincher 8s, Ebony-Gray Patina, Steely Fields, Choice Surfaces, Sooner Collection. The 1818 O-108 die pairing is easily attributed by checking the date punch. Both 8 digits have partial upper loop as if "pinched". This is a really sweet example with medium ebony -gray patina that exhibits moderate circulated cameo eye appeal. Surfaces are fully choice and essentially unabraded. This lovely example is worthy of a JUST BUY IT NOW recommendation. If I'm a fan, then you will be too! This piece has not been submitted to CAC by the Sooner Collection, therefore fair game. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.
	1820/19 Curl Base 2	AU50	NGC 2573909008	O-102	Original	$1095	1820/19 Overdate, Steely Reflectance, Near-Choice Original, Sooner Collection.. Capped Bust half dollar overdates continue to be popular with GFRC clients. This 1820/19 O-102 example offers steely reflective luster that is consistent on both sides with the reverse having vibrant cartwheel. Light gold peripheral toning nicely frames the mostly untoned centers. On the obverse, most star points are connected to the milling. The earlier 19 date punch is bold and easily seen with a 10x. The near-choice quality rating captures some faint hairlines on the primary motif while the reserve surfaces are close to pristine. Housed in new large font NGC holder with O-102 attribution on the label.
	1821	AU55	PCGS 34671799	O-101	Choice	$1250	Choice Original, Light Crusty Coin Gray, Steely Fields and Reflectance. During 1821, the Philadelphia mint struck 1,305,797 halves while employing seven different die pairings. This perfectly original survivor has been meticulously preserved and offers a light crusty gray patina over steely fields and unblemished devices. Under a bright light, the radiance is best described as steely reflective. The light reverse patina enables some cartwheel action. As is typically for the early Capped Bust dates, the centers tend to be lightly struck while edge details are fully defined. This is the case with this 1821 O-101 as the stars are fully elevated with bold center points while lower the center hair curls are weak. CAC has approved 27 at the certified grade with a CDN CAC guide of $1220. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval. A fresh GFRC buyback.
	1823 Patch 3	AU55	PCGS 25629056	O-101a	Choice	$2750	Challenging Patch 3 Variety, Superior Eye Appeal, Brilliant Luster. The 1823 patched and broken 3 die varieties have been consistently popular with Capped Bust collectors. When appearing on the market, I make of point of adding to inventory as in the case for this choice example. Steely luster dominates during bright light inspection along with vibrant cartwheels. Peripheral aquamarine and gold toning decorates lightly toned centers. A few well hidden lines in the left obverse field are of no consequence as this is an eye appeal and luster coin. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
	1826	AU58	NGC 567259003	O-112a	Choice	$815	Brilliant Copper-Gold Frosted Luster, Choice Surfaces, Sooner Collection. This newly released 1826 O-112a half brings gobs of brilliant frosted luster that amplify the semi-transparent copper-gold toning. The peripheries are particularly pleasing as the patina is the lightest there. Strike is typical for Capped Bust halves as the edge obverse stars are fully defined while the center curls are a tad weak. The same center to edge striking pattern is evident on the reverse. The O-112(a) die state is easily attributed by a filled N in UNITED and the upper loop of the first S in STATES. Please be assured that this is an eye catching offering from the Sooner Collection. Pricing is certainly fair. Housed in NGC Gen 7 (1997-2000) holder.
	1826	AU55	PCGS 16656644	O-116a	Choice	$665	Steely-Frosted Luster, Grayish Patina, Classic CAC Originality, Lakeland Collection. Consignor Pricing Reduction. If one studies enough CAC approved early silver type coins, a visual pattern will emerge. That pattern is steely-frosted or frosted surfaces covered with natural coin gray patina. This is the standard appearance which this Lakeland Collection release offers. Under a bright light, the steely-frosted surfaces highlight the moderate coin gray toning. The obverse is entirely unabraded while the reverse has a touch of chatter above the eagle's head. This is a solid CAC approved 1826 O-116a example with the late die state arcing obverse die cracks being fully defined. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.
	1827 Square Base 2	AU55	NGC 307320008	O-117	Choice	$570	Perfect Originality, Detailed Strike, Lightly Crusted Near-Gem, Lakeland Collection. Consignor Pricing Reduction. Fans of strictly original early silver coinage should take a serious look at this 1827 O-117 half as it has captured my attention. The uniform gray toning on both sides and traces of "dirt" in the protected areas is my yard stick for originality. This piece scores on both points. Next is the detailed strike to consider with nearly complete stars and bold eagle feathers. This Lakeland Collection release needs to go to a buyer who enjoys the light crusty "look". Housed in NGC Gen 17 (2004-2008) holder,
	1829	AU58	PCGS 45096423	O-115	Choice	$1000	Rich Frosted Luster, Hammered Strike, Superb Eye Appeal. This highly detailed 1829 O-115 Capped Bust half is a premium example with thick mint bloom on both sides. Under a bright light, the frosted radiance is bold and impressive along with the swirling cartwheels. Copper-gold and aquamarine are the primary toning colors. The overall presentation is quite stunning given the hammered strike. Rub on the cheek and a stray hairline at the neck are consistent with the certified grade. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder.
	1830 Small 0	AU55	PCGS 44386934	O-117	Choice	$635	Marvelous Preservation, Frosted Luster, Peripheral Aquamarine-Gold. If constructing a set of Capped Bust halves with attractive toning, then this 1830 O-117 example might just be for you. A GFRC new purchase that exhibits frosted luster and active cartwheels. Under a bright light, the peripheral aquamarine and gold toning is quite pleasing. Device high points are lightly worn while the fields are unabraded. The O-117 die variety can be easily confirmed by repunching on the flag of the 5 digit in the denomination. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2022) holder with Overton 117 Small 0 attribution on label.
	1830 Large 0	AU55	NGC 4663110011	O-121	Choice	$645	Superb Eye Appeal, Near-Gem Original, Lakeland Collection. Consignor Pricing Reduction. A marvelous Lakeland Collection release that does not require a long description given the accurate illustration via GFRC images. Overall eye appeal is driven by frosted luster and peripheral orange-gold and darker blue patina . A better Overton variety that has been exquisitely preserved and is entirely unabraded. A JUST BUY IT NOW recommendation is in order. Please give this piece serious consideration as the new owner is guaranteed to be pleased. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
	1831	MS62	PCGS 40847536	O-108	Choice	$1500	Crusty Patina, Choice Original . Charcoal patina fills the rims while bits of silver color remain evident in the stars and legend. Centers exhibit rose-gray color with deeper shades present at the high points of Liberty. The overall crust is consistent with the John Albanese "look." O-108, with tiny serifs on the 1s, and the 5 tilted to the left. CAC notes 423 pieces total, 83 coins in all Mint State grades, and 66 examples finer. The CAC price guide value in MS62 is $1,500. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder with CAC approval. PCGS #6159.
	1832 Small Letters	AU58	NGC Fatty 301160010	O-118	Choice	$900	Old NGC Fatty Type, Steely Reflective Luster, Swirling Cartwheels, Pretty Peripheral Toning. One immediately notes the steely reflective fields that result in sharp luster and vibrant cartwheels when placed under angled lighting. This 1832 O-118 is yet another beautifully toned Capped Bust half from the "top of the ladder" final portion of a long term client's holdings. Sparkling best describes the peripheral luster as there is ample amounts of mint bloom in those areas. Centers will shift to faint rose while the blues become aquamarine with some yellow gold. A 10x check revealed a few stray micro-lines of no consequence. A solid piece for the grade. Housed in NGC Gen 5 (1992-1995) brown label Fatty holder.
	1832 Small Letters	AU58	PCGS 33411266	O-103	Choice	$1050	Superb Offering, Near-Gem Original, Granular Frosted Luster, Golden-Gray. . How can I not start the description for this near-gem 1832 Small Letters half without a JUST BUY IT NOW recommendation? This is a fresh duplicate from an ever expanding Pacific Northwest collection that GFRC is helping build. On this lot, granular frosted luster is entirely undisturbed under a bright light while the golden shades spring to life. Cartwheels are equally vibrant on both sides. Strike is so close to being complete with just a few stars lacking elevated star points. Surfaces are essentially unabraded with a tiny contact mark above the left facing wing mentioned for 100% accuracy. GFRC images are an accurate portrayal of the colors and hint at the luster. Fairly priced for the overall quality. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder with CAC approval. The label captures the Overton 103 and Small Letters attributions.
	1832 Large Letters	AU53	NGC 2575343017	O-101	Choice	$510	New August 12! Notably Attractive Capped Bust Half, Pewter-Gray Patina, Soft Reflective Luster, CAC Approved. A thoroughly wholesale new purchase from the Chicago ANA that is ideal for type or an AU grade Capped Bust half dollar set. This nicely detailed 1832 half features soft reflective luster under a bright light and pewter-gray coloration that is accurately illustrated by the images. Surfaces are entirely unabraded and pleasing. The diagonal reverse die crack consistent with the O-101 die pairing is readily evident. Housed in new large font NGC holder with CAC approval.
	1833	AU58	NGC 6346813011	O-108	Original	$700	Ample Mint Bloom, Steely Frosted Luster, Moderate Cartwheels, Great Grade. Consignor Price Reduction. Light silver-gray surfaces are well preserved on this near-choice 1833 O-108 Capped Bust half. Mint bloom is seen surrounding the stars and date on the obverse and throughout the reverse. Bright light inspection revealed rotating cartwheels. Strike is typical. Silver-gray coloration is probably the result of a quick dip though the luster remains unimpeded. A solid example at the perfect collector grade. Housed in an NGC new large font holder.
	1833	AU55	ANACS 3016543		Choice	$485	Choice Original, Steely Surfaces, Crusty Brown-Gray, Lakeland Collection. Consignor Pricing Reduction. This is yet another well preserved early type piece that is housed in a venerable ANACS old white holder. A fairly thick brown-gray crust is layered across the obverse while the reverse has diminished skin with steely-frosted luster evident adjacent to the right facing wing. Fields are unabraded while a toned over contact line seen on the cap during 10x review. A quality offering from the Lakeland Collection.
	1834 Small Date, Small Letters	AU58	PCGS 34161696	O-116	Choice	$900	New July 15! First Use of Hub 8, Steely-Frosted Luster, Mottled Gray, Choice Surfaces. This newly consigned 1834O-116 Capped Bust half features the first use of Hub 8 with a doubled outlined clasp. The obverse is easily attributed by a "worm in the field' left of the breast which in reality appears to be an early recut impression of the breast outline. On the offering, the remaining impression is sharp under a 10x. An unquestionably choice example with steely-frosted luster and lightly mottled coin gray patina. Surfaces are unabraded and pleasing. An ideal lot for the die variety specialist given the strong diagnostics and essentially no wear. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
	1834 Large Date, Large Letters	AU55	NGC 2109535006	O-101	Choice	$505	Notable Eye Appeal, Steely Radiance, Blue-Gray Colors, Fully Choice, Lakeland Collection. Consignor Pricing Reduction. This 1834 O-101 would be an ideal type piece as well balanced and a sterling representative of the series. Under a bright light, the fields are steely reflective with even gray surrounded by peripheral gold. GFRC images present the in-hand appearance which is a darker rose-gray. The contrast between the two viewing approaches is dramatic and adds another reason for purchasing this Lakeland Collection release. Housed in new large font NGC holder.
	1836 50/00 Lettered Edge	AU50	PCGS 19299616		Original	$900	50/00 Lettered Edge, Frosted Luster, Near-Choice, Newtown Collection. Starting late in 1836, hand engraved dies become a thing of the past with the adoption of the new steam driven coining press. Dies were newly made from master hubs, eliminating the need for hand punched stars and lettering into each die. Once a master hub was created, many dies could be made from that initial design model. This Newtown 1836 50/00 half dollar is the last of the lettered edge design to be produced. When preparing the reverse working die, a leading 0 denomination digit was erroneously punched followed by being corrected with the 5 digit punch. The errant 0 digit is easily seen to the left of the final 5 digit. This is a frosty specimen with sharp luster and swirling cartwheels. Faint field chatter holds this one back from a full Choice quality rating. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.
	1836 1836/1336	EF45	PCGS 20500529	O-108a	Choice	$560	1836/1336, Steely Reflective Luster, Choice Overall, Sooner Collection. The 1836/1336 O-108 die pairing is a unique listing in the Capped Bust half dollar series as an erroneously cut 3 is located at the second digit location. As a result the final 8 digit punch is over a 3 with the knob of the latter clearly showing inside the lower loop of the 8. This Sooner Collection release is choice overall with steely fields and ample reflectance at the certified grade. Reverse fields have some wispy hairlines of no consequence. If in the market for a cool die variety, this one will fit the bill! Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with 1836/1836 and Overton O-108a attribution on the label.
	1836 Reeded Edge	EF40	PCGS 25245148		Original	$3900	Reeded Edge "50 Cents" Design Key Date, Grey-Gold Patina, Near-Choice Surfaces, Newtown Collection. 1836 brought a transition year for the U.S. Mint. Branch mints were authorized in 1835 leading to much planning and construction coordination. Steam pressed were introduced and Christian Gobrecht became the Second Engraver after Kneass suffered a stroke. The half dollar design was modified for better strikings with the new steam press equipment. Only 5,000 Reeded halves dated 1836 were struck due to problems with the steam press installation and first strikings taking place in November of that year. The Newtown Collection is releasing his 1836 RE example for your consideration. Steely fields are minimally abraded while the overall coloration is a medium gray with embedded gold. Strike is typical for the date with several partial stars in the right field. Housed in PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) holder. The backside of the holder has two areas with missing plastic stacking guides.