Die markers of 1836 O-121 CBH anyone?

coindeuce

Anxiously awaiting arrival of my recent purchase of 4th ed. of Overton...

GAB

Same obverse as an O-120, and the same reverse as an O-105.

On the reverse: (The easy part)
the E(E PLURIBUS UNUM) is slightly right of center with the D(UNITED)
the I(E PLURIBUS UNUM) is slightly left of center with the 2d T of STATES
the right leg of A (AMERICA) lines lines up with the end of the E PLURIBUS UNUM scroll.
The tail wings of the eagle pentrate the olive branch, and can be seen below the 1st branch.

The Obverse is not so easy - to distinguish between the O-120(O-121) and the O-105.
The date is kind of like 1 83 6, and using star 12 as a pointer to the date and to other
star locations can differentiate the 2 varieties. This is not easy on an image.
There is also a denticle "split" between star 8 and 9 on an O-120(121) obverse.
the denticle gap on an O-105 is above the cap. These are not always observable on worn
coins.

slumlord98

Those who have read Bust Half Fever by Ed Souders will recall his surefire method for identifying low grade 121s- a tiny inner point of star 9. If you have a copy of Overton, compare the image of 121 to 105, which is the die marriage that is very often confused with 121. Once you commit this to memory, you need never question your attribution again.

If you don't have a copy of both books, you shouldn't buy another bust half until you have read both books from cover to cover. Twice.

speety

I just cherried one! Here are my pics:

Reverse:


Obverse (in reality the same color as the front):


Date (not there is a dot next to the 6, not visible in the pic):


Star 8 shows recutting and points through the center of the dentil:

mozin

If you want more pictures of 1836 O-121, check out this thread. My specimen is pictured, and described there.

1836 Capped Bust Half Dollar series thread