1838 Bust half variety help - terminal reverse die crack

Manorcourtman

I tried to figure this out based on Coinfacts photo's but I could not find any variety with this die crack. It runs across the entire reverse from the D in DOLLAR across the entire shield, to the rim between the OL in DOL. BTW, it is in a old genuine holder, due to some unfortunate scratches. Thanks for any insight. Here's some pics:

seatedlib3991

I have a coin with the same exact die crack. I used the Dick Graham book to identify it as GR-4.
I think it is also pictured in the variety sections at PCGS and NGC. James

Manorcourtman

@seatedlib3991 said:
I have a coin with the same exact die crack. I used the Dick Graham book to identify it as GR-4.
I think it is also pictured in the variety sections at PCGS and NGC. James

Thank you!!

Walkerguy21D

@TomB I believe is an expert on attribution of these late date reeded edge halves. I’m sure he can help verify this for you. He or others may need an obverse image though.

TomB

Thank you for the shoutout @Walkerguy21D. Yes, this is a GR-4, but prior to the book that Dick Graham and I wrote around a dozen years ago, this die marriage was described as JR-16. You might see both in publications. It is considered an R1 with some very high grade coins, but your piece is a late die state, which is actually more common than very early die state examples.

RobertScotLover

Ruh roh,
I predict this will not go as the op had expected it to go

Manorcourtman

@TomB said:
Thank you for the shoutout @Walkerguy21D. Yes, this is a GR-4, but prior to the book that Dick Graham and I wrote around a dozen years ago, this die marriage was described as JR-16. You might see both in publications. It is considered an R1 with some very high grade coins, but your piece is a late die state, which is actually more common than very early die state examples.

Thanks for the info! It is appreciated. Love these old halves and all their cracks!

seatedlib3991

That is the same reason I put one in my collection. I also think it is a cool example of how the mint struggled with it's new steam powered technology. I am hopeless on the internet and with computers but will also mention a few other things. If you go to the Liberty Seated Collector Club site you can find a lot of information. There is an electric Journal that features many articles about Reeded Halves. You can also find a link there to a monthly electronic post that comes in your e-mail and gives you extensive information on this series. I am a novice with this series but I can tell you there is plenty out there to learn. James

jesbroken

FYI, NGC's Variety Plus does list this as a GR-4 and has a photo of an earlier die state coin. NGC Variety Plus is truly a benefit for die state help(not the book) but when you are without a book, it is a great aid.
Jim