1807 "Bearded" Lady Half Dollar

BC

Does anyone have any information on the above subject ?

FlyTooHigh

Check the PayPal thread! Turn on you PM feature also.

Tony

JimD

BC,
This particular variety got it's nickname because of a die crack from Liberty's chin to her chest which gives the appearance of her having a beard. See link for photo af a VF35 that sold at a recent Heritage auction for a little over $1400.00.

1807 O-111b

dorkkarl

IT IS ONE OF THE ALL-TIME GREATS! i LOVE the bearded-goddess . . . . . AND I DON'T OWN ONE!!! used to own a couple, though, and i plan to get another someday soon, i hope. mine were both problematic. it is a COMPLETELY FASCINATING coin to study by die state, with the prime die state having basically no crack at all, through to when the die failed. if you love the early stuff, the history and the glitz and glamour, GET ONE.

K S

RotatedRainbows

It is one of the all time great die varieties in numismatics, at one time I was lucky enough to own an example of all three die states (complete die state set). The 111 in XF with only a trace of die crack between star 3 and 4 (one of only four or five known without any trace of beard) 111a AU fully prooflike (considered the second finest known for the variety when sold in 1998) with a spider web thin crack for the beard and a 111b CH.VF with a full die crack (beard) running from the bust up thru the eye and cap. If you ever get a chance to pick on up I would highly recommend it, just one other thing if you find one advertised as a 111b just make sure the crack not only goes from the bust to the chin but also it MUST run up thru the eye to the cap to be considered a full 111b die state. Many pieces which have a strong crack running from the bust to the chin but not thru the eye to the cap are advertised as a 111b but in reality are only a 111a.

dorkkarl

<< <i>at one time I was lucky enough to own an example of all three die states (complete die state set). The 111 in XF with only a trace of die crack between star 3 and 4 >>

i am SO JEALOUS. the intermediate die states are fascianting too.

congrats!

K S

JimD

Someday I would also like to own a specimen, but I am currently in search of an 1815/2 to complete my year set. The Bearded lady is just one example of many, that make Bust Halves so interesting.

BC

Hi Jim ,
I must send lots of accolades to you on your reply to the above subject , and for your wonderful pictures . My specimen appears to be of the type O- 111B . The die crack is supposed to go all the way to the eye , and on mine , as it appears to be between a VF 30 - 35 ( it looks as good as the picture you sent) she looks like she has a tear about to drop off her eye. There are two marks below that on her cheek , as if they were dropping "tears" . Then , off course the "beard" . I have had this in a type set for a good number of years . I brought it home from the bank box yesterday , and noticed the beard , and looked in a 1974 Redbook , and of course it wasn't there . It was in the 2001. As time permits , I will give you the complete history of this , from about 1974 on. Then , it hadn't been discovered. Thanks again . I enjoyed all your other pictures on your site also . You are on top of things. WOW. Let's see how the others reply .
Robert

BC

HI Rotated Rainbow ,
You are certainly in there with Jim . Thanks for your information on the "Bearded Lady " I will of course have to have her authenticated and graded and removed from this type set . Weren't I the lucky one ? Thanks again for you quick response and pertinent information . It is a pleasure to meet you all . Thanks again .

Robert

JimD

BC, I am no where in the league of RotatedRainbows (formorly Goldenuggets) who at one time had over 250 varieties, but thanks anyway.
Jim

RotatedRainbows

I found listings for two of the 07' busties, the first is when I bought the 111a prooflike piece in 1987 and the second is when I sold the 111 "prime" in 1992.

RotatedRainbows

Here is an example of a solid 111b bearded goddess, the crack starts at the date and runs all the way up thru the cap splitting into a Y at the forehead.