Bust half Lettered Edge and Reeded Edge
in2Coins
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Has there been any lettered edge halves and at the same time also reeded? If yes, is it common?
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in2Coins
Posts: 365 ✭✭✭✭✭
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Sure. 1836. Common? No, reeded edge halves are scarce. A little history...
With the introduction of steam presses and the reducing lathe the Mint was able to place all features on the working hubs (except the date) and ramp up production more quickly. Except for the date, all dies were identical. The era of quirky, hand-punched and engraved half dollar varieties had come to an end. Technology marched on.
Chief Engraver Christian Gobrecht reworked the design for improved metal flow and the new presses. Minting did not begin until very late in the year and a small run of perhaps 1200 coins were pressed from a single die pair. Their release into circulation was unexpected as the coin's revised design and size had not been approved by Congress. The 1836 reeded edge was considered a pattern by many. However, Congress enacted the new law in early 1837. And as these pieces met the requirements they were released into circulation.
Examples of reeded edge and lettered edge below.
Lance.
Thank you Lance! I've added some photos of why I was asking if it is common to have both in one coin.,,Lettered and Reeded edge.
Lance,
That receded edge example is incredible. Your coins never cease to amaze me.> @lkeigwin said:
In 1831 only the lettered edge was produced. I don't believe a reeded edge was in existance at the mint until 1836. I have to believe the reeded edge was added by someone after it left the mint (for whatever reason).
That is interesting... I have not seen reeded and lettered edge before....Cheers, RickO
In 1830 - while keeping the lettered edge - the Mint started experimenting with reeds on some edge dies.
This is best described in Dr. Ivan Leaman and Don Gunnet's treatise called Edges and Die Sequences on Early Half Dollars published in 1986.
Thanks OKbustchaser!! Does it make this coin rare?
Found this discussions awhile back.
https://www.ngccoin.com/boards/topic/103907-1834-bust-half-dollar-question/