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1831- The sixth in a series of Capped Bust Half Dollars- Show your busts
JRocco
Posts: 14,277 ✭✭✭✭✭
This is the Sixth in a series of informative picture threads covering the lettered edge Capped Bust Half Dollars from 1807-36 in reverse year order.
General guidelines:
1. Members can simply post pictures, or include pertinent information like Overton marriage and diagnostics, or just ask for information about their pictured coin from other members. Please keep picture file sizes within reason for dial up members.
2. Ultimately, we would like to see at least one example pictured for each Overton marriage.
3. Thread starts are only on Thursdays and Sundays.
Please look at the previously posted threads covering the years- 1836, 1835 , 1834
1833and 1832
* If anyone would like to see a current link to any previous years posted, please see CoinAddict's thread:Complete Series of Capped Bust Half Dollars -- Thanks Kyle
1831
Estimated mintage this year was 5,873,660. This was completed using 12 obverse dies and 14 reverse dies. These produced 20 varieties for this year.
There is 1 rare variety- the O-120, 3 very scarce varieties- O-113,O-115 and O-117
An experimental edge design that began in 1830 was continued this year that shows light vertical reeding between the lettering.
Here is an example of an 1831 O-113 - R4
This marriage combines Obverse 9 with Reverse I-s2
Some characteristics to look for are:
Obv- Mouth slightly open, Date is close with blunt 1's and a 3 that is heavy and boldly curved,
there are twin segments below the bust and small die defects cause a lump above the clasp and right of the curl.
Rev- Right sides of the T and I are in line. the E is centered under the right side of the D and the arrow shafts may be weak or broken near the right claw. A1 is well below second T at the base.
This is a tough marriage in high grade.
Let me add that we are looking for volunteers to help start these threads. Feel free to PM MikeKing, Mozin or myself with an questions of if any help may be needed. Thanks. (I know this again is a couple hours early--sorry)
Enjoy and post your busts for all to enjoy and learn.
General guidelines:
1. Members can simply post pictures, or include pertinent information like Overton marriage and diagnostics, or just ask for information about their pictured coin from other members. Please keep picture file sizes within reason for dial up members.
2. Ultimately, we would like to see at least one example pictured for each Overton marriage.
3. Thread starts are only on Thursdays and Sundays.
Please look at the previously posted threads covering the years- 1836, 1835 , 1834
1833and 1832
* If anyone would like to see a current link to any previous years posted, please see CoinAddict's thread:Complete Series of Capped Bust Half Dollars -- Thanks Kyle
1831
Estimated mintage this year was 5,873,660. This was completed using 12 obverse dies and 14 reverse dies. These produced 20 varieties for this year.
There is 1 rare variety- the O-120, 3 very scarce varieties- O-113,O-115 and O-117
An experimental edge design that began in 1830 was continued this year that shows light vertical reeding between the lettering.
Here is an example of an 1831 O-113 - R4
This marriage combines Obverse 9 with Reverse I-s2
Some characteristics to look for are:
Obv- Mouth slightly open, Date is close with blunt 1's and a 3 that is heavy and boldly curved,
there are twin segments below the bust and small die defects cause a lump above the clasp and right of the curl.
Rev- Right sides of the T and I are in line. the E is centered under the right side of the D and the arrow shafts may be weak or broken near the right claw. A1 is well below second T at the base.
This is a tough marriage in high grade.
Let me add that we are looking for volunteers to help start these threads. Feel free to PM MikeKing, Mozin or myself with an questions of if any help may be needed. Thanks. (I know this again is a couple hours early--sorry)
Enjoy and post your busts for all to enjoy and learn.
Some coins are just plain "Interesting"
0
Comments
Capped Bust Half Series
Capped Bust Half Dime Series
Capped Bust Half Series
Capped Bust Half Dime Series
1831 O.112 R3
1831 O.113 R4
on the ones,and the 3 is low.rev 50c is rather large and high.The 5 is high and tipped left,the I is right of center
under T.
102 capped bust half dollars - 100 die marriages
BHNC #198
Your coin could be O-103 R1.
Some diagnostics for 1831 O-102 R1:
Obverse: Star 1 points to the upper edge of dentil. “18” is wider than “831”. Mouth slightly open, with a heavy jaw and chin.
Reverse: Center line of stripe 1 is thick and curved at the bottom. Upper part of “N” is filled. “50C” is high, and “5” is higher than “0”.”5” has a short V-shaped top, and is tipped more to the left. Crude crossbars are usually filled at sides. Left sides of “I” and “T” in line.
Obverse: Star 1 points to lower edge of dentil. Dot in the field right of the shoulder curl, just above the clasp. Ones are blunt, and three is heavy and boldly curved. (Same obverse as O-113 & O-115.)
Reverse: There is a die line above the lower, middle set of leaves. Letters of “TAT” are rotated, and each letter progressively lower than previous letter. Center line of stripe 3 extends below shield. Left sides of “I” and “T” in line.
Thanks
Some characteristics of the 1831 O-103 are:
Obv 2 and Rev C,
Obv-There are long serifs at the top of the 1's, and the mouth is open
Rev- 50C is tipped to the left and the stand of the 5 is recut. I is centered under the left side of T and several lines of stripes 2 and 3 run into the crossbars abd below the border of the shield.
Just what I needed.
Some diagnostics for 1831 O-101 R2:
Obverse: Star 1 points to upper edge of dentil. Star 7 points between dentils. “18” is slightly wider than “831”. Mouth is open slightly. Chin and jaw are heavy.
Reverse: Middle line of stripe 3 extends below shield. Lower crossbar extends left of shield. Top of “E” in scroll is filled, and somewhat filled top of “P”. Right side of “I” is under left side of “T”.
Match your coin against my O-102 posted above.
Some diagnostics for 1831 O-103 R1:
Obverse: Star 1 points to upper edge of dentil. Star 7 points to the upper half of dentil, and top of curl. “1's” have very long flags (upper serifs). Open mouth.
Reverse: Some of the lines in stripes 2 and 3 extend upwards and downwards too far. “50C” is high and tipped to the left. Upright of “5” is recut, showing at left. (Hard to see in my picture.).“I” is centered under the left side of “T”.
Some diagnostics for 1831 O-106 R3:
Obverse: Star 1 points to lower edge of dentil. “LIBERTY” in the headband appears doubled. Only O-107 shares this obverse. This could be a double die obverse, or it could simply be doubling like double profile. Dr. Glenn Peterson wrote “LIBERTY” is recut. First “1” is high with well-formed serifs. (Same obverse as O-107.)
Reverse: Right side of “I” under left side of “T”. “50C” is tall and leans to the left. Most stripes extend well into crossbars. (Same reverse as O-105.)
Some diagnostics for 1831 O-108 R1:
Obverse: Star 1 points to lower half of dentil. There is a curved line under the “Y” in “LIBERTY”. Upper serifs on “1s” are tiny. “3” is low.
Reverse: Die line from lower tail feather goes through olive stems, almost to the berry. “50 C” is large and high. Straight topped “5” has an open loop, is higher than “0”, and tipped more to left. “I” centered below “T”.
This is one of the "common" 1831 die marriages. ...but "common" or not, what man can resist a beautiful Bustie?
The obverse of this die marriage was struck with obverse die 7. The die cracked very early in its usage. This was the only use of this die.
The reverse of this die marriage was struck with reverse die H. This was the first use of this die. Immediately following striking the O-111, rev. die H was used to strike the O-109. The O-109 was also a "common" 1831 DM. Reverse die H lasted a long time striking many "common" coins.
Quick identifiers for this die marriage:
(1) A wavy die crack joins the base of the date. Another die crack joins all stars on the left.
(2) In the shield lines 2 and 3 of stripe 1 are joined. A slight separation between the two lines appears at the top. This is visible in the following photo. In the 1831 series, this is unique to the O-111 and the O-109.
SIDENOTE: This die marriage does exist without any obverse die cracks. As reported in Herrman's AMBPR (Auction Mail Bid Price Records) there was one "raw" EF-45 specimen sold in 2003 for $1,020. No other sales are reported. Herrman suggests that this Very Early Die State (also known as "Prime") without the obverse die crack should be a R7. You see, some die states of even "common" Busties can be extremely rare. This would be a wonderful die state for someone to "cherry." What great bragging rights this would give you for a long time.
Photos of the 1831 O-111, R1:
Feel free to also share your opinion as to its grade and/or if it was ever cleaned. It looks original to me.
Thanks. - Jim
- Jim
- Jim
It is tougher to attribute lower grade Busties without the coin in hand. ...especially when the milling is gone and many of the diagnostics (used to attribute a coin) are worn away. ...so this one drove me crazy for a while. I think I see a tine protuding into the field from the center of the upper leaf. This would make the coin an 1831 O-107, R3. (I am not 100% sure. If Mozin would double-check me, this would be great.)
The grade you ask. I think we could debate that it is VF-20 or VF-25.
You ask if it has been "ever cleaned." The key word in your sentence is "ever."
Cleaned? I don't know. It doesn't look cleaned. Has it EVER BEEN cleaned? Probably. Almost all (specialists debate a % between 90 and 99) Early American coins have been messed with at least once.
Original? I don't know. I wouldn't apply this adjective to the coin's description either. ...because what does "original" mean? Can you imagine how many disagreements you would get over the definition of an "original" 176 year old coin. This discussion, alone, could use up several chapters in a book.
What I look for are hairlines that imply that a coin has been cleaned and wiped. ...but this doesn't always tell you anything. Are the hairlines from the wiping or from a dirty thumb (covered with grit) being rubbed over the coin? In your photo, I don't see hairlines.
I wouldn't spend too much time worrying about if it has been cleaned or is it original. Your coin shows the normal scrapes and tics caused by many years in circulation.
I would just describe your coin as a very pleasing example of a circulated Bust Half.
Regards,
Ed
<< <i>I would just describe your coin as a very pleasing example of a circulated Bust Half. >>
That sums up my thoughts about it too, Ed. Thanks for sharing your analysis. - Jim
- Jim
<< <i>I agree with everything edmerlr said about thisnamztaken's Bustie, except I think it is reverse E instead of F. The two reverses are soooo very close, I even used both the third and fourth edition to compare photos, as well as going back to the 1830 O-109 reverse pictures. The 1831 O-107 shares the reverse with the 1830 O-109. I could be wrong, but I think we have here 1831 O-106 R3. >>
Thanks for your input also, Mozin!
- Jim
...you're correct. It is the 1831 O-106, R3.
In calling it the O-107 I didn't notice the D to E relationship.
Holding the glass over the photos in the O/P book I can see that on the O-106 the left side of the stand of E in E PLURIBUS is slightly to the right of the left side of the stand of the D above it. This is also true on the subject coin.
Whereas on the O-107 the left side of the stands of both the D and the E are in line.
Also on the O-106 (like the subject coin) the distance between the tip of the olive branch and the C of 50 C. below it is greater than it is on the O-107.
Good pick-up Mozin.
My only excuse is that I looked at the subject coin at 5:30 AM. I guess I should have finished my pot of coffee first.
****
COME ON YOU GUYS!
I am the last poster on most of the date Threads. (as of 4:25 PM PDT, April 25th)
I KNOW that many of you must have Busties to post.
I am holding off any more posts as long as I can. I would prefer not to post my coins back-to-back. We need input from everybody. Isn't this a group effort?
Bye,
Ed
Some diagnostics for 1831 O-109 R1:
Obverse: Star 1 points to lower edge of dentil. A small tine protrudes upwards from the right side of “R”, and a hair curl below the “R” pierces the headband. High date shows “18” higher than “31”. Small lump shows in field near inner point of star 5. (Obverse shared with O-110.)
Reverse: Lines 2 & 3 of stripe 1 are joined at the bottom, and are barely separated at the top. High “50 C” has tall figures, and “5” has a straight pointed top. “I” is centered below left side of “T”. (Reverse shared with O-111.)
Everytime I see your photos, I regret being photographicly challenged. ...and because I only want to spend my extra money on coins, slot machines, a great date with a wonderful wife, and toys for the grandkids, I will content myself with my archaic scanner.
****
The 1831 O-110 die marriage, both the EDS and the LDS.
The obverse die used to strike this die marriage was Obverse die 6-s2. This was used immediately prior to strike O-109. For the striking of O-109, the obverse die was in better shape and named Obv. die 6. When it was put in the screwpress to strike the O-110, the die was starting to show signs of wear. On the O-110 the left stars are usually drawn to the edge. Later in the striking, some O-110's can be seen with all of the stars drawn to the edge. (You will see all of the stars drawn to the edge in the specimen I have shown.)
The reverse die used to strike this die marriage was Reverse die I. This was the first use of this die. Immediately after striking the O-110, this reverse die was used to strike the 1831 O-113.
Quick identifiers for this die marriage are:
(1) On the obverse there is a tine above the right edge of the R in LIBERTY. There is also a curl that also pierces the bottom of the liberty band below the R. This may not be clearly seen in my scans. Check the Peterson book for more professional photos. These quick identifiers are also found on the O-109.
(2) On the reverse the A in STATES is noticeably rotated to the right with the right base of the A beneath the left base of the T. This is also found on the O-113.
Photos of the 1831 O-110, R2:
**************
The Late Die State of the 1831 O-110 die marriage (O-110a).
In the Overton Parsley book the diagnostics for the O-110a are located on the reverse of the coin. In this die state there is little or no milling and some letters drawn to the edge. Usually the top of the 5 is weak and the arrow shafts may be weak or broken near the right claw.
On the LDS I am showing, the most obvious LDS diagnostic you can see are the missing arrowshafts near the right claw.
A NOTE AND A COMMENT OR TWO: When Al Overton wrote his first book he explained that a letter added to a die marriage number was to signify a specific die state for that die marriage. It would be impossible to list all of the possible die states, so only the Late Die State would get the "a model" designation, if one was applicable.
Many Bust Half specialists view the Late Die State as a noticeable change in the die. For example, a die crack appearing or even an additional die crack appearing. Another change could be "extreme" lapping in the case of the Single Leaf varieties.
This brings up a few questions. Situation: You have a specimen of a die marriage that was obviously struck using badly worn dies. What do you call it? Is this a significate enough of a change to give this specimen a sparate "a model" designation?
The 1831 O-110a is such a specimen. This die state was created by using worn dies. Al Overton chose to label this coin the O-110a. Don Parsley, in the 4th Edition, continued this tradition. The O-110a is listed.
In 1998 the Bust Half Nut Club decided to drop the separate listing of the O-110a. They no longer recognize the O-110a as a separate "a model" subvariety.
Who is correct? Perhaps this could be a great topic for a different Forum Thread.
In the meantime, I will simply state that I find the O-110a with its missing parts of the arrow shafts to be a neat "die state."
Any comments or opinions?
Photos of the 1831 O-110a, R3: (R3 per the O/P book)
Some diagnostics for 1831 O-111 R1:
Obverse: Star 1 points to lower half of dentil. Die crack joins base of date. High date has short flags on “1s”.
Reverse: Lines 2 & 3 of stripe 1 are joined at the bottom, and are barely separated at the top. High “50 C” has tall figures, and “5” has a straight pointed top. “I” is centered below left side of “T”. (Reverse shared with O-109.)
Edgar
Edgar
Some diagnostics for 1831 O-115 R4:
Obverse: Star 1 points to lower edge of dentil. There is a dot in the field right of the shoulder curl, just above the clasp. Ones are blunt, and three is heavy and boldly curved. (Same obverse as O-113 & O-114.)
Reverse: Middle line of stripe 3 extends below shield. Lower crossbar extends left of shield. Top of “E” in scroll is filled, and somewhat filled top of “P”. Right side of “I” is under left side of “T”. (Reverse shared with O-101.)
Edgar
Edgar
Edgar
Edgar
Edgar
The Bust Half has the distinction of being the very first Bustie die marriage struck in the calendar year 1831.
The obverse of this scarce die marriage was struck using Obverse die 10. This is the only use of this die.
The reverse was struck using Reverse die L. This was the first of two uses of the die. It was used immediately after to strike the very scarce 1831 O-117, R4 die marriage.
The quick identifiers for this die marriage is on the reverse. And, of course, the O-117 has the same identifiers.
(1) The left base of the M is well above the right base of the A. The right lower serif of the M has been recut.
(2) The left side of the shield appears as a broad double line.
It takes a bit of memorization or the O/P book in hand to separate and tell the differences between 1831 O-116 and O-117.
The O-117 was struck using Obverse die 8. ...and, of course, the O-116 was struck with Obv. die 10. Obverse dies 8 and 10 are very similar and both die marriages share the same reverse die.
On the O-116 the stars are mostly flat and close to the milling. On the O-117 the stars are sharp and well clear of the milling. The star to dentil relationships are different on both coins. ...so you either have to memorize at least one of the star to dentil relationship differences (in my case Star 12) or you have to open the O/P book.
Photos of my 1831 O-116, R3:
Some diagnostics for 1831 O-108 R1:
Obverse: Star 1 points to lower half of dentil. There is a curved line under the Y in LIBERTY. Upper serifs on 1s are tiny. 3 is low.
Reverse: Die line from lower tail feather goes through olive stems, almost to the berry. 50 C is large and high. Straight- toped 5 has an open loop, is higher than 0, and tipped more to left. I centered below T.
The obverse was struck using Obverse Die 4. This is the first of two uses of this die. It was used immediately after striking the O-107 to strike the scarce O-106 die marriage.
The reverse was struck using Reverse Die F. This was the third and final use of this die. This die was first used to strike the very rare 1831 O-120, R6 die marriage and then the scarce 1830 O-109, R3 die marriage.
The quick identifiers are:
(1) On the obverse ALL of the letters of LIBERTY have been recut. This recutting shows just inside the left edge of EACH letter:
(2) On the obverse there are die lines in front of the bust. These are found on ALL O-107's. They can only be found on EDS examples of the O-106's which were struck with the same die.
(3) On the reverse there is a small die line protruding from the center portion of the upper leaf.
(4) On the reverse a broken arrow shaft pierces the middle of the right claw and then starts again just left of the middle claw
Photos of my 1831 O-107, R3: