In Overton EARLY HALF DOLLAR DIE VARIETIES revised edition second printing in 1970 the 1814 Single Leaf was considered R6. By the Third edition of Overton in 1990 it had dropped to R4, same as it is listed currently.
In over thirty years of collecting CBHs, I have only owned one example of the 1814 Single Leaf. I would like to own a few more in AU.
I collect Capped Bust series by variety in PCGS AU/MS grades.
The evolution of a die marriage, the states of it's manufacture.
A lot of Bust half collectors often wonder what and why? I've found on these threads of Bust Half Forums that the questions asked are rounded up by it's members imparting additional information, to gives us a clearer picture of a marriage and it's die states.
So I'm going to start this one on additional information I've gathered together on this marriage. Prime; a die state found, earlier than Al Overton could find when he put his notes together for his book. The existence of this state should be looked at, as the very earliest strikes. As slumlord98 stated on the Proof-like surface finish only lasting 20 to 25 coins then diminishing from just the metal flow as it starts eroding the dies. The same rings true with the Prime state. When that first coin is struck from this pair, the Mint didn't know for sure (100%) that the dies would survive. Anomalies in the production technics left that open. We're not talking modern precision machinery, where you would slap the dies in and go to town. These machines were hand made for the most part, then modified to suit the needs of a given manufacturing process, many say, "built to last a lifetime", and they probably would! But since precision wasn't there, their precision was, this mode that will evolve into today's technology.
In reading through Fever'sNew"Bust Half Fever 2". (COOL ICON EDGAR) I started putting together some notes and questions why? Searching other internet sources and responses from other members I started to put this together.
Edgar states in his book (page 476) "This [coining press] is a very powerful ingenious, simple ( tho very perfect) piece of machinery. "...It consists (like the cutting machine) of a very powerful upright screw, to the top of which is affixed a heavy & strong lever worked with great apparent ease by one man at each end,...At the lower end of the screw is affixed the die which gives the impression on the upper side & immediately under it is the die containing the impression for the reverse of the coin. And adding further, "...In the rear room, facing the alley, with a large low window opening into it, a fly press stood, that is a screw coining press...Through this window the passerby in going up and down the alley could readily see the bare-armed vigorous men swing the heavy end weighted balanced lever that drove the screw with sufficient force so that by the momentum of the weighted ends this quick-threaded screw had the power to impress the blank and thus coin each piece. They could see the rebound or recoil of these end weights as they struck a heavy wooden spring beam, driving the lever back to the man that worked it; they could hear the clanking of the chain that checked it at the right point to prevent it's striking the man..." These two observations were made by visitors from the period. Another point he made was that the upper dies were held in place by a set-screw or bolt, this is know by observing the few know surviving dies from the early Mint and the marks left on them.
So we can conclude that the production methods were crude to todays standards, they were quite ample for their time frame.
The marriage involved in this is 1814 over 3 O-101.
Overton's description reads, Obverse 1 "...date is 9mm, top crossbar and lower curve of 3 shows under the 4. Reverse A... 50 C. low. A to A 1/2mm. Two oversize segments above second T in States, the one on left is attached to the top of T with a defect. Some early die states show a vertical die line extending 2mm below the Eagle's beak and another extending upward from the left wing. Specimens observed show clash marks on both obverse and reverse. [b/R-6
Prime O-101; no die cracks, no die clash. When you see this state, you would think you were looking at regular dated 1814. It almost catches you off guard. But a few new published points first, Sheridan's last sale, Rutherford 8/8/2007 Lot 165, he states I've only seen 4 or 5 specimens, this coin has neither die cracks or clash, the under digit plain, stray die lines abound. The reverse... the bucktooth dentils on the reverse are especially prominent as are some curious raised lines running diagonally under and through "TE" of States. The O/P 4th's plate shows a later die state of this and the R-6 rating (R-2 in Herrman's).
Obverse 1
Reverse A
So we have a new die pair, with scattered die polish marks (raised) in the fields, no cracks or clash. One thing I did find, was on the reverse under the second and third pair of leaves, two joined segments, the space between them quickly fills and disguises them to look like a slightly wider segment changing in the dies life. Another thing that may be, is the fact that a punching error may have occurred at the second T and the long dentils above helped cover this error up. Then theres a horizontal graver slip in the first stripe and a lump under the "E" of America.
Rev. joined segments. TE in States Graver slip and die polish lines Lump under the "E"
The next phase, is the obverse die cracks, from star 9 to the cap to star 6 to star 1, but no die clash yet.
Slumlord98's Mohawk Valley Hoard Coin
First appearance of the obverse die clash, the state shown in the O/P 4th. Die crack continues down from star 1 to the rim about center under Bust, a new crack forms at the date from the rim and runs into the 1 and 8 and under 1 and 4. The crack at star 9 continues down on the right side, die clash seen above the date.
JRocco's "a" model reverse,(page2) shows the three separate die clashs nicely in the wave look from the cap above 50 C. The formation of the crack from the top of the scroll, left thru "United Stat" and the lump under "E" is quite plainly seen and clashing inside the stripes of the shield, in his great close-up shots.
From what I have seen so far is Mozin's(page2) "a" model is the latest state shown. The excessive lapping and the crumbling of star 1. The die crack across the cap is now full and prominent. The multi- tier surfaces are showing their movement .
So a few thoughts to ponder here..., if the existence of a couple of coins wasn't, would then Mozin's half be O-101 Prime? It is before Overton's stated description...or will it forever be Prime IDS O-101? Where and when does the 101 end and the "a" model start, for no mention of the die crack on the obverse is made in 101 ??? But it's pictured ! Now did you ever wonder what happened to the double segment on the reverse? It's still there, but it looks like a single one now! Thanks to all the members who have posted on the Bust Half threads! Mike
Oh just another O-106a...and just an R-4+. I just love terminal die states. It is later than the LDS Ed posted. A perfect post for Oct. too with Halloween and the sunken eyes of Lady Liberty quite ghoulish. How did you grade the reverse???? I like the coin. Mike
Obverse: Star 1 points to upper half of dentil. Many criss-crossing die lines arranged irregularly around the curl above the clasp. Second “1†in date is low. In this LDS, milling is almost gone, and stars are drawn to edge.
Reverse: There is a triangular die mark off of stripe 1 near top, at left. Usually letters of LIBERTY are clashed below right wing, and in shield stripe area. In this LDS, a sinking die has left a smooth area on part of the left wing. I centered under left side of T.
I collect Capped Bust series by variety in PCGS AU/MS grades.
Pretty Cool Mozin ! The Liberty reverse is easy to remember. The double rotated die clash (in the shield and along the Eagle's right side) , then the drawing in of the Eagle make this state one that is easily remembered. Another nice example of the 1814. Mike...
If only 10% of my CBH's were this nice! I remember winning this one on eBay in 2004. I was not going to be denied. Had done biz with the seller and found his coins to generally be superior to the images. This one had photographed rather dark blue in the auction and it was apparently the result of the full luster picking up a reflection. I think the seller was BBC357 or something like that. I got my first 1813 from him too. A couple cheek scratches on that one but electric blue and red toning over heavily clashed, mushy, yet lustrous LDS surfaces. I think that acquisition was pivotal in the development of my addiction.
The late Charlton Meyer had an extensive set of Houcks. He had 1806-36, except for 1807 CBH, 1815, 1820 and 1820/19. He instructed me to call him collect at any time I ran across any of these, which I never found. His favorite was an 1828 which he obtained from the late Richard Pugh, who came running up to him at a show, saying, 'I found you an 1828 but it's gonna cost you.' Swampy asked why so much and Richard informed him it was on a 123!
Glenn Peterson has a Houcks bottle with some dried remnants of the panacea in the bottom. He says one day that he will have the contents analyzed to see what the composition of Houcks Panacea was. Of course, the alcohol evaporated long ago.
<< <i>The late Charlton Meyer had an extensive set of Houcks. He had 1806-36, except for 1807 CBH, 1815, 1820 and 1820/19. He instructed me to call him collect at any time I ran across any of these, which I never found. His favorite was an 1828 which he obtained from the late Richard Pugh, who came running up to him at a show, saying, 'I found you an 1828 but it's gonna cost you.' Swampy asked why so much and Richard informed him it was on a 123!
Glenn Peterson has a Houcks bottle with some dried remnants of the panacea in the bottom. He says one day that he will have the contents analyzed to see what the composition of Houcks Panacea was. Of course, the alcohol evaporated long ago. >>
Counterstamp on an R5....me thinks thats too bad. Unless one is collecting both.
I could use a little panacea right about now. Why the wait?
Which may be taken with perfect safety by all ages and in all diseases; its cures are for the following dis- eases—Dyspepsia, Loss of Appetite, Indigestion, In- flamation of the Stomach, Heart Burn, Diarrhea, Dys- entery or Flux, Piles, Fistula, Obstructed Menstruation, Ague and Fever, Billious or Remittent Fever, Typus Fever, Scarlet Fever, Small Pox, Krysipclous of St. Anthony's Fire, Asthma, Pleurisy, Measels, Yellow Fever, Costiveness, Wind on the Stomach or Bowels, Cholera Morbus, Consumption, Influenza, Colds, Coughs, Inflammation of the chest, Palsey, Gout, Rheu- matism, Inflammatory Sore Throat or Quinsey, Whoop- ing Cough, Thrush or Sore Mouth, Putrid Sore Throat, Croup, Inflammation of the Heart, Dropsy, Rickets, Diseases of the Liver Jaundice, Difficulty of making Urine, Gleet, Histerics, Nervous & Scrofulous Affec- tions of the Members and Ligaments, Mercurial and Venereal Diseases, Ulcers, Sores, Affections of the Skin, and all diseases arising from Impure Blood, &c.
Price per Bottle $1 50.
The above medicine can be obtained at No. 121 Market street, opposite the Museum, with proper direc- tions for using. A liberal discount made to persons who bay to sell.
At the solicitation of a number of persons who have been cured of diseases of a long standing by my practice, I have consented to give my particular atten- tion to the practice of medicine to persons who are able to attend to me at my office personally, otherwise those who are incapable of attending personally from infirm- ity will send a correct statement of their case
I may be consulted at my office every day from eight o'clock in the morning until nine at night.
Born in Frederick, MD, Jacob Houck moved to Baltimore in 1828, where he opened a dry goods store at 121 W. Baltimore St. In 1834 he began marketing his panacea, unique in the world of patent medicines, because it claimed to be made solely of vegetable matter (unlike those composed largely of alcohol and opiates), and from 1835 to 1842 is listed as its manufacturer in the Baltimore City directories. An active entrepreneur, he counterstamped a number of different US and foreign issues circulating at the time to promote his product.
Here is one of my recent purchases. It came from the Solomon Collection, and is a fairly early DS, so it cost me extra money. The obverse clashing on this marriage can go up to at least five clashes.
I collect Capped Bust series by variety in PCGS AU/MS grades.
Very nice 1814 E/A O-108a Mozin........here's another E/A O-108a, also a recent purchase (actually crossed at grade from NGC MS61), and probably my favorite CBH right now.
Mine is not as early a die state as yours, and looks to have 4-5 obverse clash marks.
Thought I would add this here. 1814 Bust half E/A O-108 Prime die-state. No cracks or clashes. The current rarity is estimated to be an R6+ or R7 by some BHNC folks who are die state experts.
Please... Save The Stories, Just Answer My Questions, And Tell Me How Much!!!!!
Comments
In over thirty years of collecting CBHs, I have only owned one example of the 1814 Single Leaf. I would like to own a few more in AU.
A lot of Bust half collectors often wonder what and why?
I've found on these threads of Bust Half Forums that the questions asked are rounded up by it's members imparting additional information, to gives us a clearer picture of a marriage and it's die states.
So I'm going to start this one on additional information I've gathered together on this marriage.
Prime; a die state found, earlier than Al Overton could find when he put his notes together for his book.
The existence of this state should be looked at, as the very earliest strikes.
As slumlord98 stated on the Proof-like surface finish only lasting 20 to 25 coins then
diminishing from just the metal flow as it starts eroding the dies.
The same rings true with the Prime state.
When that first coin is struck from this pair, the Mint didn't know for sure (100%) that the dies
would survive.
Anomalies in the production technics left that open.
We're not talking modern precision machinery, where you would slap the dies in and go to town.
These machines were hand made for the most part, then modified to suit the needs of a given manufacturing process, many say, "built to last a lifetime", and they probably would!
But since precision wasn't there, their precision was, this mode that will evolve into today's technology.
In reading through Fever's New "Bust Half Fever 2". (COOL ICON EDGAR)
I started putting together some notes and questions why?
Searching other internet sources and responses from other members I started to put this together.
Edgar states in his book (page 476) "This [coining press] is a very powerful ingenious,
simple ( tho very perfect) piece of machinery.
"...It consists (like the cutting machine) of a very powerful upright screw, to the top of which is affixed a heavy & strong lever worked with great apparent ease by one man at each end,...At the lower end of the screw is affixed the die which gives the impression on the upper side & immediately under it is the die containing the impression for the reverse of the coin.
And adding further, "...In the rear room, facing the alley, with a large low window opening into it,
a fly press stood, that is a screw coining press...Through this window the passerby in going up and down the alley could readily see the bare-armed vigorous men swing the heavy end weighted balanced lever that drove the screw with sufficient force so that by the momentum of the weighted ends this quick-threaded screw had the power to impress the blank and thus coin each piece.
They could see the rebound or recoil of these end weights as they struck a heavy wooden spring beam, driving the lever back to the man that worked it; they could hear the clanking of the chain that checked it at the right point to prevent it's striking the man..."
These two observations were made by visitors from the period.
Another point he made was that the upper dies were held in place by a set-screw or bolt, this is know by observing the few know surviving dies from the early Mint and the marks left on them.
So we can conclude that the production methods were crude to todays standards, they were quite ample for their time frame.
The marriage involved in this is 1814 over 3 O-101.
Overton's description reads, Obverse 1 "...date is 9mm, top crossbar and lower curve of 3 shows under the 4.
Reverse A... 50 C. low. A to A 1/2mm. Two oversize segments above second T in States,
the one on left is attached to the top of T with a defect.
Some early die states show a vertical die line extending 2mm below the Eagle's beak and another extending upward from the left wing.
Specimens observed show clash marks on both obverse and reverse. [b/R-6
Prime O-101; no die cracks, no die clash.
When you see this state, you would think you were looking at regular dated 1814.
It almost catches you off guard.
But a few new published points first, Sheridan's last sale, Rutherford 8/8/2007 Lot 165, he states I've only seen 4 or 5 specimens, this coin has neither die cracks or clash, the under digit plain, stray die lines abound.
The reverse... the bucktooth dentils on the reverse are especially prominent as are some curious raised lines running diagonally under and through "TE" of States.
The O/P 4th's plate shows a later die state of this and the R-6 rating (R-2 in Herrman's).
Obverse 1
Reverse A
So we have a new die pair, with scattered die polish marks (raised) in the fields, no cracks or clash.
One thing I did find, was on the reverse under the second and third pair of leaves, two joined segments, the space between them quickly fills and disguises them to look like a slightly wider segment changing in the dies life.
Another thing that may be, is the fact that a punching error may have occurred at the second T and the long dentils above helped cover this error up.
Then theres a horizontal graver slip in the first stripe and a lump under the "E" of America.
Rev. joined segments.
TE in States
Graver slip and die polish lines
Lump under the "E"
The next phase, is the obverse die cracks, from star 9 to the cap to star 6 to star 1,
but no die clash yet.
Slumlord98's Mohawk Valley Hoard Coin
First appearance of the obverse die clash, the state shown in the O/P 4th.
Die crack continues down from star 1 to the rim about center under Bust, a new crack forms
at the date from the rim and runs into the 1 and 8 and under 1 and 4.
The crack at star 9 continues down on the right side, die clash seen above the date.
JRocco's "a" model reverse,(page2) shows the three separate die clashs nicely in the wave look from the cap above 50 C.
The formation of the crack from the top of the scroll, left thru "United Stat" and the lump under "E" is quite plainly seen and clashing inside the stripes of the shield, in his great close-up shots.
From what I have seen so far is Mozin's(page2) "a" model is the latest state shown.
The excessive lapping and the crumbling of star 1.
The die crack across the cap is now full and prominent.
The multi- tier surfaces are showing their movement .
So a few thoughts to ponder here..., if the existence of a couple of coins wasn't, would then Mozin's half be O-101 Prime?
It is before Overton's stated description...or will it forever be Prime IDS O-101?
Where and when does the 101 end and the "a" model start, for no mention of the die crack on the obverse is made in 101 ??? But it's pictured !
Now did you ever wonder what happened to the double segment on the reverse?
It's still there, but it looks like a single one now!
Thanks to all the members who have posted on the Bust Half threads!
Mike
Super write-up!
That's some PREMIUM Crust you're posting !...
Mike
You sure hit the jackpot with buying all those 1814s on the same day.
This is one of the best CBH threads thus far. Of course the entire "series" of CBH threads are a classic on this forum.
Capped Bust Half Series
Capped Bust Half Dime Series
I just love terminal die states.
It is later than the LDS Ed posted.
A perfect post for Oct. too with Halloween and the sunken eyes of Lady Liberty quite ghoulish.
How did you grade the reverse????
I like the coin.
Mike
That is a really neat Bustie. The strike, the wear pattern, the cracks, and the beautiful toning make this one a winner.
Some diagnostics for 1814 O-102a R3:
Obverse: Star 1 points to upper half of dentil. Many criss-crossing die lines arranged irregularly around the curl above the clasp. Second “1†in date is low. In this LDS, milling is almost gone, and stars are drawn to edge.
Reverse: There is a triangular die mark off of stripe 1 near top, at left. Usually letters of LIBERTY are clashed below right wing, and in shield stripe area. In this LDS, a sinking die has left a smooth area on part of the left wing. I centered under left side of T.
The Liberty reverse is easy to remember.
The double rotated die clash (in the shield and along the Eagle's right side) , then the drawing in of the Eagle make this state
one that is easily remembered.
Another nice example of the 1814.
Mike...
Here's a single leaf.
Nice start on your Overton set.
If anyone ever comes across a Counterstamped Houcks Pancea on a 1814 CBH - I would be forever in your debt
<< <i>jdillane,
Nice start on your Overton set.
If only 10% of my CBH's were this nice! I remember winning this one on eBay in 2004. I was not going to be denied. Had done biz with the seller and found his coins to generally be superior to the images. This one had photographed rather dark blue in the auction and it was apparently the result of the full luster picking up a reflection. I think the seller was BBC357 or something like that. I got my first 1813 from him too. A couple cheek scratches on that one but electric blue and red toning over heavily clashed, mushy, yet lustrous LDS surfaces. I think that acquisition was pivotal in the development of my addiction.
Glenn Peterson has a Houcks bottle with some dried remnants of the panacea in the bottom. He says one day that he will have the contents analyzed to see what the composition of Houcks Panacea was. Of course, the alcohol evaporated long ago.
<< <i>The late Charlton Meyer had an extensive set of Houcks. He had 1806-36, except for 1807 CBH, 1815, 1820 and 1820/19. He instructed me to call him collect at any time I ran across any of these, which I never found. His favorite was an 1828 which he obtained from the late Richard Pugh, who came running up to him at a show, saying, 'I found you an 1828 but it's gonna cost you.' Swampy asked why so much and Richard informed him it was on a 123!
Glenn Peterson has a Houcks bottle with some dried remnants of the panacea in the bottom. He says one day that he will have the contents analyzed to see what the composition of Houcks Panacea was. Of course, the alcohol evaporated long ago. >>
Counterstamp on an R5....me thinks thats too bad. Unless one is collecting both.
I could use a little panacea right about now. Why the wait?
HOUCK'S PANACEA
Prepared solely from Vegetable Matter.
By JACOB HOUCK, Baltimore,
Which may be taken with perfect safety by all ages
and in all diseases; its cures are for the following dis-
eases—Dyspepsia, Loss of Appetite, Indigestion, In-
flamation of the Stomach, Heart Burn, Diarrhea, Dys-
entery or Flux, Piles, Fistula, Obstructed Menstruation,
Ague and Fever, Billious or Remittent Fever, Typus
Fever, Scarlet Fever, Small Pox, Krysipclous of St.
Anthony's Fire, Asthma, Pleurisy, Measels, Yellow
Fever, Costiveness, Wind on the Stomach or Bowels,
Cholera Morbus, Consumption, Influenza, Colds,
Coughs, Inflammation of the chest, Palsey, Gout, Rheu-
matism, Inflammatory Sore Throat or Quinsey, Whoop-
ing Cough, Thrush or Sore Mouth, Putrid Sore Throat,
Croup, Inflammation of the Heart, Dropsy, Rickets,
Diseases of the Liver Jaundice, Difficulty of making
Urine, Gleet, Histerics, Nervous & Scrofulous Affec-
tions of the Members and Ligaments, Mercurial and
Venereal Diseases, Ulcers, Sores, Affections of the
Skin, and all diseases arising from Impure Blood, &c.
Price per Bottle $1 50.
The above medicine can be obtained at No. 121
Market street, opposite the Museum, with proper direc-
tions for using. A liberal discount made to persons
who bay to sell.
At the solicitation of a number of persons who
have been cured of diseases of a long standing by my
practice, I have consented to give my particular atten-
tion to the practice of medicine to persons who are able
to attend to me at my office personally, otherwise those
who are incapable of attending personally from infirm-
ity will send a correct statement of their case
I may be consulted at my office every day from eight
o'clock in the morning until nine at night.
JACOB HOUCK,
Born in Frederick, MD, Jacob Houck moved to Baltimore in 1828, where he opened a dry goods store at 121 W. Baltimore St. In 1834 he began marketing his panacea, unique in the world of patent medicines, because it claimed to be made solely of vegetable matter (unlike those composed largely of alcohol and opiates), and from 1835 to 1842 is listed as its manufacturer in the Baltimore City directories. An active entrepreneur, he counterstamped a number of different US and foreign issues circulating at the time to promote his product.
Mine is not as early a die state as yours, and looks to have 4-5 obverse clash marks.
Some great examples guys.
<< <i>The 14 E/A may be the next bustie I search for.
Some great examples guys. >>
This is a great variety, and these late die-states are just train wrecks! No lack of cracks or clashes on my example.
I'm sure whatever one you find will be a gem, John
Lance.
The reverse of your O.108a is about 25 points better than the obverse
Lance.
<< <i>LOL. This is hard to do!
Lance. >>
Owning coins like that? Yeah, I'll bet it is
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
BHNC member # 184!
http://www.busthalfaddict.com
PCGS XF40 O.105
1814 O-105
BHNC member # 184!
http://www.busthalfaddict.com
<< <i>another 102a--one of my favorite coins in my collection.
>>
Would love to see hi-res images of that one. looks like a great coin! Been looking for a 102a for ever...
Here is a 102
1814 O-102
BHNC member # 184!
http://www.busthalfaddict.com
1814 O-103
BHNC member # 184!
http://www.busthalfaddict.com
E/A
BHNC member # 184!
http://www.busthalfaddict.com
BHNC member # 184!
http://www.busthalfaddict.com
I love this thread! 1814 is one of my favorite years! I included pictures of my O-107 prime and my vlds 107a.
Your coin is the direct result I think of the platinum halves giving and damaging the steel die. Wonderful example!