1829 O.106 (R5) or O.107 (R3)? Test Your Overton Variety Attributing Skills...

BustHalfBrian

Heads up - this is a tough one. The two varieties are nearly identical. In fact, they were struck using the same reverse die, A. The obverse dies just happen to share many similar attributes.

I'm pretty sure I know which of the two I have, but because I am still not 100% confident, even after almost half an hour of research, I would like to hear some experts' opinions.

coin22lover

Brian, I'm virtually certain that's a 106.

mozin

Looks like O-106. The 9 in the date is just a bit high.

BustHalfBrian

Thank you, both. I just needed the reassurance

indeetlib

While I'm definitely not among the experts on Bust Halves here, I agree it is certainly O-106. As mozin said, I think the date position is most helpful. Here are images of the Reiver examples (my go-to source for attributing Bust Halves - I hope there aren't too many mistakes in the catalog!)

O-106. Date numerals curve somewhat in line with the rim…



O-107. Date numerals are a bit straighter and not so much in line with the curve of the rim…



Also, do the stars flow into the rim in later states of O-107 as they do here? That might also be a helpful way to tell the difference.

OKbustchaser

<< <i>Also, do the stars flow into the rim in later states of O-107 as they do here? That might also be a helpful way to tell the difference. >>



Yes.

maibockaddict

Looks like a nice 106 to me too....

BustHalfBrian

<< <i>
...
Also, do the stars flow into the rim in later states of O-107 as they do here? That might also be a helpful way to tell the difference. >>



I have yet to see an example where they do, but that was one question I was asking myself when I was attributing my coin.

From my research, other good indicators of the O.106 are a weak clasp, weak C (50C), and recutting at the base of B in LIBERTY, a diagnostic that is not listed in any references I have found.