1836 Capped Bust Half Dollar help needed

piecesofme

So, I'm not smart enough to know the difference between an 1836 Capped Bust Lettered Edge and just a 1836 Capped Bust. I also understand there is something about a 00 under 50 variation for this date. There does seem to be something going on in the 0 of 50 on the reverse.

So which one is this and what does it grade? I feel it's uncleaned and about as original as it gets, but need help with the other stuff. TIA.

TomB

I don't follow the major question. Are you asking if it is a Capped Bust half dollar vs. a Reeded Edge half dollar?

piecesofme

I don't follow the major question. Are you asking if it is a Capped Bust half dollar vs. a Reeded Edge half dollar?

On eBay they are being sold as either a "Capped Bust Half Dollar" or a "Lettered Edge Capped Bust Half Dollar...and I'm asking which one is this one. I'm sorry, it's just that I know nothing about these and when I looked it up on there this is the difference I saw for this date. thanks

Also, I saw in a book that there is a 00/50 varierty for this date. What does that mean? Reason I ask is because the 0 (zero) in the 50 on the reverse looks odd, as i tried to show.

guitarwes

Lettered Edge.
VF25
Can't tell if it's the 00 over 50 from those pics. On the left side of the five there is a hint of an underlying 0 on this variety.

LoveMyLiberty

It looks like an O-104, or 104a, but can't tell from
the tiny pictures.

It isn't the 50 over 00.

yosclimber

<< <i>So, I'm not smart enough to know the difference between an 1836 Capped Bust Lettered Edge and just a 1836 Capped Bust. >>


Do you have a "Red Book"? ("A Guide Book of United States Coins", by R.S. Yeoman).
If not, you should buy one. They are widely available at coin shops or online, and will greatly improve your knowledge of U.S. coins.

In the Red Book, it plainly shows the difference between the lettered edge and reeded edge varieties, with photos and text description.

"Variety 2 -- Reeded Edge, Reverse "50 CENTS" 1836-37".

So, look on the reverse of your coin. Does it read "50 CENTS"?

Other differences:
1. Look on the edge of your coin. Are there letters? What do they spell out?
Or are there just vertical grooves, like on current US quarters? (Those vertical grooves are called reeding).
2. Look in the area above the eagle, but below "STATES OF". Do you see something there, or is it blank?
Compare the photos in the Red Book to see how this also distinguishes the 2 varieties.

piecesofme

It's a lettered edge. Duh! Didn't even think to look around the rim of the coin, there's letters on it and it is not reeded.
It is also not a 00/50 as there is nothing to the left of the 5 if that is the determining factor. I thought the funky 0 (zero) might've had something to do with it.

thanks for the help everyone...up on eBay it goes.