Help with 1839 Bust Half

silverandgray

Hello again, I have been lurking for quite a while, but now have a question. Just a reminder I am a novice collector.

I recently bought an 1939-O Bust Half for my type set. I brought it home and noticed that it was smaller than my other Bust Half. The 1838-39's have "Half Dollar" and no motto banner over the eagle, instead of "50c" with the banner on the reverse. I knew the half dollars decreased in size when the Seated Liberty's came out. I was shocked to see the size difference between the two Bust Half's.

I am kind of embarrassed to ask the dealer. I don't want to sound ignorant, and I do not want to appear that I don't trust him. I do not have anything that would tell me change in size, all of my books have been packed away.

Can anyone verify that the size was decreased?

dorkkarl

the diameter of the bust half was indeed decreased and compensated by an increase in thickness when the mint began striking coins in a closed-collar press.

congrats!

K S

DHeath

Karl,

Good job. BTW - wasn't that the year they started using steam presses? I think I heard Conder say anything after that was Modern in his book.

IrishMike

That 39-0 is a great coin, and welcome to the boards.

nwcs

Indeed, welcome to the boards! If memory serves, isn't 1836 the first year of using the closed collar?

Placid

Diameter 30.6mm, reeded edge,weight 13.36 grams

dorkkarl

yes sir!

my def'n for modern is actually 2 phases:

modern phase 1: the transition from open-collar to closed-collar strikes, which facilitated steam power
modern phase 2: removal of all intrinsic worth (ie silver & gold) from circulating coins

K S

RLinn

Silverandgrey, what an appropriate use of the overwhelming talent accessible via this forum.

BillJones

1836 was was the first year for the closed collar half dollars, but the mint struck open collar half dollars too, which are far more common. The 1839-O half dollar is pretty neat with its obverse mint mark, but it's not rare. There was a pretty good sized hoard of them, and they are always available for a price.

dorkkarl

completely agree. not even rare in unc grades.

K S