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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 23 Coins for Sale. New coin(s) added on May 25, 2023

Photo	Date	Grade	TPG	Variety	GFRC Rating	Price	Description	Buy
Flowing Hair
There are currently no coins for sale fitting this criteria.
Draped Bust
	1803 Large 3	EF45	NGC 3432304001	O-101	Choice	$3500	Large 3, Better Draped Bust Date, Crusty Original, Choice Surfaces, Sooner Collection. Crusty is the operative word for describing this 1803 O-101 Draped half. Surfaces are protected by a thick coin gray patina is essentially undisturbed. This fact implies that the circulation wear took place prior to storage and surface oxidation. The O-101 die pairing employs a Large 3 obverse and 12 Arrows reverse. While 1806 dated Draped halves are easily to locate, the appearance of 1803 examples is much more infrequent. Surfaces are well preserved without marks worthy of mention. Yet another strong offering from the Sooner Collection. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert and CAC approval.
	1805/4	AU53	PCGS 06624711	0-102	Choice	$14250	Bold 1805/4 Overdate, . There are two 1805/4 overdate obverses that are recognized by PCGS which include the O-101, O-102, and O-103 varieties. It appears that two leftover 1804 punched dies were reused during 1805 after being dated accordingly. Overall, the 1805/4 overdate half dollars are approximately two to three times as rare as the normal 1805 half dollar. GFRC is thrilled to be offering a superbly preserved example that is one of only four certified at the PCGS grade. Natural coin gray patina covers both sides. The patina is light with hints of peripheral gold during bright light inspection. Fields are steely along with mint frost surrounding the stars and legend. Surfaces are essentially unabraded and pleasing for such an early piece. The originality is also unquestionable. CAC has approved three at grade with seven finer. It is unknown which of the two overdate dies are including in that population. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with CAC approval.t
	1806 6 Over Inverted 6	EF40	PCGS 43025436	O-112	Choice	$5450	6 Over Inverted 6, Natural Coin Gray Patina, Bisecting Obverse Die Crack, CAC Approval. The 1806 Draped Bust half 6 over inverted 6 obverse is paired with two reverse dies (O-111, O-112). During the second O-112 die pairing, the obverse exhibits a bisecting obverse die crack and perfect reverse as compared to the die cuds seen on O-111. GFRC is thrilled to be offering this unquestionably original O-112 specimen with low PCGS and CAC populations. This is the first 6 over inverted 6 handled by GFRC and what a way to get started! Surfaces are toned natural coin gray with dirt seen in the protected hair curl depressions and surrounding the reverse olive leaves. Fields are essentially unabraded and well preserved. PCGS has only certified seventeen (O-111, O-112) at the EF40 grade with only three O-112 with special die variety attribution. CAC has approved of all eight at grade with seven finer. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 holder with CAC approval.
	1806/5	EF45	NGC 6058530003	O-103	Choice	$3700	1806/5, Near-Gem, Steely Reflectance, Rose-Gray Coloration, CAC Approval. Locating unmolested Draped Bust halves can be challenging. This Summer FUN 2022 new purchase offers perfectly original surfaces that have retained their steely texture leading to pleasing reflectance under angled lighting. Strike is well executed on the reverse while the obverse has typical weakness at the left stars. Coloration is rose-gray on the obverse and mostly gray on the reverse. A few ancient lines in the right obverse field preclude a higher quality rating. I fell in love with this piece upon first sight and believe the buyer will too. CAC population is 9 at grade with a sharp drop off starting at the AU level. EF45 is the last affordable point before rapid pricing premiums increases. GFRC images are 100% accurate as to the eye appeal. Housed in new large font NGC holder with CAC approval.
Capped Bust
	1809	EF40	PCGS 24553135	O-106	Choice	$825	New April 26! Crusty Olive-Gray, Well Preserved Fields, Choice Original. During 1809, a redesigned turban head appears for capped bust halves. This example is the typical CAC approved early half with an evenly crusted patina and the expected steely fields. It is really that simple. Toning is intermixed olive and rose-gray consistent on both sides. Strike is typical for the period with soft lower curls and a weakly struck left facing wing. 100% original and so pleasing. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.5 (2012-2013) 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	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.
	1812	AU58	PCGS 42196910	O-105	Choice	$1650	New May 22! Steely Reflective Luster, Super Obverse Strike, Aquamarine-Gray, Well Preserved. Locating early Capped Bust coinage with bold strikes is an ongoing collector challenge. Strictly originality further complicated the search. This new 1812 O-105 is particularly well struck with elevated stars and sharp center points and bold though delicate hair curls. Steely fields result in sharp reflectance. Overall coloration is an aquamarine-gray that shows hints of copper-gold under a bright. Surfaces are choice with no blemishes warranting mentioned. There are several circular die cracks consistent with the attribution. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder. The label captures the Overton 105 attribution.
	1812	AU53	PCGS 12477663	O-105	Gem	$1200	New May 25! Gem Original, Rose-Gray Patina, Bold Early Strike. Consignor Buyout - Price Reduction. Intense rim color surrounds lighter centers, with the high points marked by antique silver-grey shading. Original, hairline-free surfaces are smooth for the grade and the CAC certification is easily warranted. Mintage of half dollars was substantial in this era, and today the Bust half dollar varieties are avidly pursued, with ten die marriages identified for this year alone. O-105, with a die crack connecting 2 and the curl, and a double dentil above (AMERIC)A. CAC has approved 270 pieces in all grades. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with CAC approval.
	1814	EF45	NGC 2037687041		Choice	$975	New April 26! Crusty Golden-Rose Surfaces, Partially Mirrored, Ex. Eric P. Newman Collection. I couldn't pass up adding this 1814 O-103 half to inventory since being so attractive and a well known pedigree. The EPN pedigree is synonymous with violet and golden-golden gray toning as imparted from decades in old paper envelopes. What caught my attention with this half are the partially mirrored fields visible at the peripheries that turn orange-gold with angled lighting. This piece is nicely balanced between violet and gold shades. Housed in 2013 NGC Eric P. Newman holder with special brown pedigree label.
	1814 E/A	VF30	PCGS 32100522		Choice	$845	New April 26! E/A Variety, Steely Fields, Violet-Gray, Choice Original. The 1814 E/A variety is gaining popularity with its cool E final letter punch over an erroneous A. This 0-108a example also exhibits heavy die clashing and reverse die cracks for added charm. GFRC images accurately capture the violet-gray toning and hints at the underlying steely fields. Strike is typical for this design era. A premium example at a mid-circulated grade to consider. Housed in PCGS Gen 5.0 (2015) 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	EF40	PCGS 28262544	O-112	Choice	$650	New April 26! Crusty Olive-Gray, Old Time Originality, Choice Original. The steely fields on this 1818 half are easily noted with angled lighting though the lot is only graded EF40. Next comes the unquestionably natural gray patina with olive, gold or rose shades dependent on viewing angle. "Dirt" is seen in the reverse protected areas as further testimony. The O-112 die pairing has a peculiar date spacing with the center date digits being much closer spaced than digits to their left and right. A perfect example for those needing the 1818 date. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.6 (2013-2014) holder with CAC approval.
	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.
	1823	AU53	PCGS 24047078	O-110	Choice	$795	Brillliant Steely Luster, Super Cartwheels, Choice Surfaces. This lovely 1823 half arrives to the price list with notable steely luster and gobs of reflectance. Cartwheels are particularly active and pleasing. Fields are essentially unabraded and choice. As usual, GFRC images amplify lighter toning areas as is the case with the reverse. Those toning areas are not seen when viewing under a bright light as the luster washes them out. The O-110 variety can be attributed via dot between shield gule lines 1 and 2. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder.
	1828 Curl Base 2, Knob	AU53	PCGS 11214116	O-106	Choice	$2350	Rare O-106 Die Pairing, R4+ Rarity, Lightly Mirrored Fields, Light Gray Toning, Newtown Collection. The 1828 Capped Bust date has 23 documented Overton die varieties. Three varieties are most challenging (O-105, O-106, and O-123). GFRC is pleased to be offering an O-106 example with R4+ rarity. Researching the Auction & Mail Prices Realized for Bust Half Dollars indicates that choice examples will be found with PL fields along with a substantial pricing premium. The Newtown specimen also offers lightly mirrored fields which I will sometimes describe as steely. Reflective luster is sharp from unabraded surfaces. While not complete, the strike is bold, especially on the reverse. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with Curl Base 2, Knob attribution on label.
	1829	AU58	PCGS 2800696	O-105	Choice	$935	Impressive Eye Appeal, Steely Frosted Luster, Peripheral Gold. A wicked nice 1829 O-105 half with steely frosted luster that is consistent on both sides. As nice as the in-hand presentation is, a bright light exposes the luster's depth along with vibrant cartwheel action. Toning is primarily peripheral copper-gold with aquamarine on the obverse. Strike is typical for the issue. Yes, this piece has been to CAC and was not approved. From the "top of the ladder" portion of a long term client's collection where color and eye appeal were paramount. Housed in PCGS Gem 4.0 (1998-2002) holder
	1829	AU58	PCGS 37758119	O-108	Choice	HOLD $975	New May 22! Above Average Eye Appeal, Granular Frosted Luster, Aquamarine-Gold. GFRC is pleased to be handling another 1829 Capped Bust half at the all important AU58 Everyman grade. This is a premium example with granular frosted luster and intermixed aquamarine and copper-gold toning. Strike is nearly complete with all but star 8 having raised center points. In particular, the milling is nicely elevated and distinctive. A well balanced silver early type piece with light rub and old time eye appeal. The O-108 die pairing can be attributed by reverse shield extension into the right claw. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 (2015-2020) holder.
	1829	AU53	PCGS 44743263	O-112a	Choice	$525	Steely Reflective Luster, Choice Surfaces, Attractive and Pleasing. This nice 1829 O-112a half is immediately eye catching given the steely fields and corresponding reflectance. Luster is sharp and crisp, especially on the reverse. GFRC images are darker than the coin in-hand as the obverse has intermixed rose with base gray patina that melts with angled lighting. Gold and gray coloration is prevalent on the reverse. Fields are unabraded. Worthy of consideration for type or date set collectors. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2022) holder.
	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.
	1833	AU55	PCGS 03808766	O-102	Choice	$525	New May 2! Choice Original, Worn Dies, Brownish Gray-Blue Patina, Well Preserved. The originality of this 1833 O-102 Capped Bust half is immediately evident during in-hand or bright light assessment. Steely fields are able to radiate angled lighting reflectance regardless of the thick patina. The multi-color patina include brownish-rose and blue-grays with the latter colors becoming more predominate under lighting Fields are essentially unabraded and satisfying. If seeking an 1833 dated CBH with character, this offering deserves your consideration. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) 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 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.
	1836 Lettered Edge	EF40	PCGS 5852323006	O-108a	Choice	$445	New April 26! Old Album Ring Toning, 1836/1836, Choice Surfaces. This 1838 O-108a half was add to inventory for a simple reason. The old album ring toning is really attractive especially during a trip under a bright light. A peripheral rainbow rings encircles the obverse and reverse with the color bands being more distinct on the obverse. GFRC images just hint at the dual sided eye appeal. The repunching is plainly visible in the lower loop of the 8 digit. Housed in new large font NGC holder with CAC approval.