1805 Bust Half, O-113a, R7
This is a truly rare coin. It is an 1805 Draped Bust Half in PCGS VG08. It is the terminal die state, O-113a, of this marriage. This is Die State 4, in the book 'Early United States Half Dollars' by Steve Tompkins. In 'Auction and Mail Bid Prices Realized for Bust Half Dollars 1794-1839', by the sage Stephen Herrman, he ranks it an R7, just a few known. The O-113 die marriage alone is R-4+ (80-120 known), so this is a very rare and cool terminal die state from a very rare marriage! What makes it very special is the full die cud between AME and the rim, with die chipping along a die crack at ERI, on the reverse.
There are only 4 examples known and none have come up at auction since 2018. Herrman traces the histories of each, one in XF45, VF35, VF20, and this one at VG08. This example last came up at auction in January, 2007 at Heritage and was purchased for $748. The only other appearance we know about is when David Kahn, bought and sold it in 2019 privately, then our purchase of it at CSNS. At present this is the ONLY one approved by CAC, the others likely have some issues because such a rare coin, it is also very likely they have been to CAC. Only time will tell.
This cool example has the wholesome circulated Cameo look on both the obverse and reverse. No problems here, just special in all ways and a highly recognized specimen and a near unique opportunity. How many times will an R7 come along?
This coin is approved by CAC.
PCGS Cert. #36406193