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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 18 Coins for Sale. New coin(s) added on April 28, 2025

Photo	Date	Grade	TPG	Variety	GFRC Rating	Price	Description	Buy
Flowing Hair
There are currently no coins for sale fitting this criteria.
Draped Bust
There are currently no coins for sale fitting this criteria.
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.
	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	$1935	New April 28! Challenging Early Date at Grade, Steely-Frosted Luster, Choice Surfaces. Consignor Price Reduction - 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.
	1817 Punctuated Date	AU50	CACG 660804182	O-103b	Choice	$2750	Punctuated Date, Late Die State O-103b, Unquestionably Original, CACG Holder. I continue to be impressed by the meticulously strict CACG grading standards as showcased by this 1817 O-103b Punctuated half dollar. The originality is beyond question with just a touch of surface "crud" as evidence. The undisturbed fields are steely coin gray with gold and aquamarine shades at the borders. The edge strike is substantial with sharp elevated star points but also with weak hair curls. Residual reflectance, under a bright light, is considerable. The punctuated date features a die dot between the 1 and 7 digits. During this later die state, the dot becomes faint but still viewable with a 10x. Housed in new CAC Grading holder and graded consistent with CAC approval standards.
	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.
	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	AU58	NGC 2031166005		Choice	$825	Brilliant Frosted Luster, Light Golden Hues, Fully Choice and Pleasing. Brilliant frosted luster and vibrant cartwheels are promptly noted when placing this choice 1830 O-101 Capped Bust half under a bright light. The overall strike is complete with all stars having raised center points, along with bold hair curls and nicely detail eagle talons. Accurately graded with the luster and eye appeal that is expected from an "AU58". A fresh lot to market that is housed in an NGC Gen 17 (2004-2008) holder and the first release from a new GFRC consignor. Please give this offering some consideration if looking for a solid type coin or filling a hole is a date set.
	1830 Large 0	AU55	NGC 4663110011	O-121	Choice	HOLD $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	AU58	NGC 1271210012	O-108	Choice	$1000	Steely-Frosted Luster, Golden-Brown Surfaces, Near-Gem Original, Sheffield Collection. The AU58 grade is enthusiastically pursued by collectors given the eye appeal value at a substantial discount to Mint State 62/63 graded example. This well preserved 1831 O-108 is lots of viewing fun under a bright light with its golden steely-frosted radiance and undisturbed fields. Fully struck stars, with eleved center points, nicely complement the bold center devices. As with many open collar struck halves of this era. the reverse horizontal shield lines are partial. Overall, the eye appeal is superior for ongoing viewing enjoyment. This piece has the GFRC JUST BUY IT NOW recommendation to garner attention. Housed in NGC Gen 7 (1997-2000) holder with CAC approval.
	1832 Small Letters	AU53	PCGS 49589535	O-114	Original	$725	Challenging Overton Pairing, Satiny Luster, Untoned, Near-Choice Original, Lakeland Collection. Clearly a better Overton variety, this 1832 O-114 offering is worthy of consideration for its brilliant luster and well preserved surfaces. The obverse luster falls into the satiny realm with heavy metal flow lines into the milling while the reverse is much more steely in presentation. Mint frost is readily evident on both sides with minimal abrasions. The O-114 variety can be attributed by multiple die lines below the right side of the reverse shield. Surfaces are untoned with two micro-ticks on the reverse. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2024) holder.
	1833	AU58	NGC 6346813011	O-108	Original	$630	New April 28! 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	AU58	PCGS 43621468	O-105	Choice	$985	New April 4! Popular Everyman Grade, Orange-Gray Toning, Choice Surfaces, Evergreen State Collection. This Evergreen Collection release is a choice 1833 O-105 half struck with late die state dies as evidenced by metal flow lines throughout the fields. Under a bright light, surfaces radiate a soft frosted luster with strong radiance on the lightly toned reverse. Unquestionably original with light rub. CAC has approved 90 at the certified grade with a price guide value at $950. Housed in a PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2025) Gold shield holder with CAC approval.
	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	$810	New April 28! First Use of Hub 8, Steely-Frosted Luster, Mottled Gray, Choice Surfaces. Consignor Price Reduction - 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 Lettered Edge	MS61	NGC 5952022005	O-120	Choice	$1300	New April 28! Better Overton Die Pairing, Granular Frosted Luster, Rose Blue-Gold, Choice Original. Consignor Price Reduction - As the lettered edge Capped Bust half dollar series came to a close during 1836, a fair number of better die varieties resulted. This O-120 "Bar Dot" can be easily attributed by a dot to the right of the 6 digit in the date and has been assigned an R4 rarity rating. Along with the scarce die pairing, this piece exhibits granular frosted luster and swirling cartwheels during angled lighting inspection. Rose-blue toning on the obverse and light gold on the reverse certainly enhances the overall eye appeal. A special Capped Bust half that will undoubtedly be a prize in an advanced collection. Housed in new large font NGC holder. Returning to the GFRC price list as a new consignment with the prior record in the Sales Archive.
	1836 Lettered Edge	AU53	NGC 3666210011	O-101	Choice	HOLD $360	New April 5! Lettered Edge, Super Original, Lakeland Collection.. A thoroughly pleasing 1836 Lettered Edge half dollar with undisturbed steely fields. Under a bright light, the in-hand gray patination shifts to golden hues on the obverse along with golden-gray shades on the reverse. A super choice example that warrants a JUST BUY IT NOW recommendation. Housed in newer NGC holder with edge view insert.
	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.
	1839-O Reeded Edge	AU53	NGC 6322918003	GR-1	Original	$4000	Key New Orleans Date, Heavy GR-1 Die Cracks, Steely Fields, Sooner Collection. The New Orleans Mint launched its silver half dollar production with the 1839 Reeded Edge issue, which was coined in parallel with the new Liberty Seated design in Philadelphia. A limited mintage of 178,976 strikes, on new steam presses, circulated extensively in the deep south with few saved in Mint State. This leads to the AU survivors being at an "affordable" price point. The GR-1 example offers near terminal die state die cracks along with light steely gray surfaces accented by orange-gold at the peripheries. Fields are free of any abrasions under a 10x. Housed in new large font NGC holder with the Long Island Collection pedigree on the label.