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1839 O Half Dollar

EddiEddi Posts: 509 ✭✭✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum

Another coin which I have had for many years, since the late 80's if I recall correctly. It is encapsulated in an ANAC holder.

It is exceedingly difficult to take pictures of this coin, thus the double set of pictures which I think approximately convey what it looks like in hand. In fact, it has still partially reflective surfaces which I found impossible to capture.

(The dark line running horizontally along the surfaces is the reflection of the roof of the house on the slab which kept getting in the way!)

Please let me know what you think, (in spite of the less than good pictures).

Thank you!

Comments

  • cheezhedcheezhed Posts: 5,911 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Fantastic coin

    Many happy BST transactions
  • scubafuelscubafuel Posts: 1,902 ✭✭✭✭✭

    It's a nice looking coin. My sense from the pictures is that it does not have original surfaces, and has retoned over time. Not an issue that would keep it out of a holder. Scratch in front of neck. Anacs AU55?

  • TomBTomB Posts: 21,655 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I recently commented in another thread about an 1839-O RE half dollar so having a second coin and thread is is a bonanza for me!

    The 1839-O RE half dollar is my favorite official US Mint issue of all time. I just love these coins. They aren't rare, but by no means are they trivial in any manner. This is especially true when they have significant meat left on them, like your coin. The coin you have shared is the GR-1 die marriage (old JR-1 die marriage designation). Your coin appears to be a mid-die state (MDS) example that shows reverse die cracks that are starting to lump and get severe with the large obverse die crack running around the rim, through the stars and into the date just beginning to form. The reverse die for this issue is the same as used on the prohibitively rare and extraordinarily famous 1838-O RE half dollar.

    In my opinion, the coin was likely a near-PL piece when struck and likely had little satiny luster. It also looks like it was dipped at least once and has partially retoned. What appears to be an obverse partial fingerprint almost certainly happened after the last dipping. The scratch under Ms. Liberty's chin and in front of her neck is especially disappointing, but it is what it is. I would guess ANACS might have called this AU50/53.

    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • USMarine6USMarine6 Posts: 1,948 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I like anything that has an obverse MM. It has a few minor distractions but I certainly still like it. You didn't ask for grade opinions but I'd wager an anacs 55

  • logger7logger7 Posts: 8,712 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Tough to find these that nice. All told nothing bothers me that much as the coin looks un messed with.

  • amwldcoinamwldcoin Posts: 11,269 ✭✭✭✭✭

    So yee be a modern man! >:)

    @USMarine6 said:
    I like anything that has an obverse MM. It has a few minor distractions but I certainly still like it. You didn't ask for grade opinions but I'd wager an anacs 55

  • gumby1234gumby1234 Posts: 5,591 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Nice looking coin. Almost all of these style coins have been cleaned or dipped at some point. If grading services didn't straight grade cleaned / dipped bust coins there would be very few slabbed that weren't in details holders. I really like the coin despite the scratch.

    Successful BST with ad4400, Kccoin, lablover, pointfivezero, koynekwest, jwitten, coin22lover, HalfDimeDude, erwindoc, jyzskowsi, COINS MAKE CENTS, AlanSki, BryceM

  • USMarine6USMarine6 Posts: 1,948 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @amwldcoin said:
    So yee be a modern man! >:)

    @USMarine6 said:
    I like anything that has an obverse MM. It has a few minor distractions but I certainly still like it. You didn't ask for grade opinions but I'd wager an anacs 55

    Haha ok you got me on that one

  • kazkaz Posts: 9,223 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Looks very nice I'll guess AU50. Does have the dipped and retoned look which in this case does not detract much at all.

  • stmanstman Posts: 11,352 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 13, 2021 4:52PM

    My opinion is, if it truly is purple as I see on my phone, this always bothers me on this series.

    I’d say the possible print would bother me more than a couple scratches as seen. Just wanted to be honest is all.

    Please... Save The Stories, Just Answer My Questions, And Tell Me How Much!!!!!
  • Walkerguy21DWalkerguy21D Posts: 11,552 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @amwldcoin said:
    So yee be a modern man! >:)

    @USMarine6 said:
    I like anything that has an obverse MM. It has a few minor distractions but I certainly still like it. You didn't ask for grade opinions but I'd wager an anacs 55

    Or early Walkers ;)
    I won't stoop to Lincoln cents, and the mm's on Standing quarters are SO hard to see...

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  • coinz900coinz900 Posts: 22 ✭✭✭
    edited September 14, 2021 11:59AM

    1839 O Bust Halves are such interesting coins. Only branch minted Bust Half and also an odd place for a mintmark when we look at mintmark locations on other coins. Sweet coin.

    Frank Sawin
    18 Year Old Numismatist

  • lkeigwinlkeigwin Posts: 16,892 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @coinz900 said:
    1839 O Bust Halves are such interesting coins. Only branch minted Bust Half and also an odd place for a mintmark when we look mintmark locations on other coins. Sweet coin.

    Agree.

    Well, there is the 38-O half. But they're a little hard to come by.
    Lance.

    Coin Photography Services / Everyman Registry set / BHNC #213
  • johnny9434johnny9434 Posts: 28,702 ✭✭✭✭✭

    She's a beauty for sure

  • lkeneficlkenefic Posts: 8,169 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Very nice piece with lots of details... as others have suggested, I think it was likely dipped at some point leaving a partial fingerprint on the obverse field... unfortunate... that said, I still like it and think it has at least AU50 details... not sure if it would make a straight grade.

    Collecting: Dansco 7070; Middle Date Large Cents (VF-AU); Box of 20;

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  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Very nice coin...Mostly well cared for over the years...I would guess AU53 or 55... Cheers, RickO

  • marcmoishmarcmoish Posts: 6,336 ✭✭✭✭✭

    53 at best, I'd be happy with a 50, too much wear and tear for higher.

  • GreenGoGreenGo Posts: 33 ✭

    Purdy

    Member of the ANA. Supporter of the Glendale Coin Club. Successful transactions with Illini420,Mustanggt,jwitten,herb_t

  • coinz900coinz900 Posts: 22 ✭✭✭

    @lkeigwin said:

    @coinz900 said:
    1839 O Bust Halves are such interesting coins. Only branch minted Bust Half and also an odd place for a mintmark when we look mintmark locations on other coins. Sweet coin.

    Agree.

    Well, there is the 38-O half. But they're a little hard to come by.
    Lance.

    True, I was referring to business strikes only. Thanks!

    Frank Sawin
    18 Year Old Numismatist

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