Reeded edge bust halves

Seeing Bill's terrific RE CBH's reminded me how much I like these.



They don't always get the respect they deserve, having been made on steam-powered presses, with devices fully hubbed, close collars, and reeds instead of edge lettering. Even size and fineness were adjusted. Variety differences were much more subtle and harder to detect.



Thankfully Dick Graham wrote a wonderful new book (with significant assistance from Dr. Tom Bush, you know the guy), to help us sort out the nuances: A Registry of Die Varieties of Reeded Edge Half Dollars 1836-1839 was published a few years ago. Every enthusiast should have a copy.



There's no denying the results of 1836 technology were a giant step forward. The splendid Gobrecht-reworked design was both fresh and bold. It struck up remarkably well and the series ran for several years, ending the glorious bust half dollar run in spectacular fashion with the New Orleans minted 1839-O (and the excessively rare 1838-O), the only bust half dollars not minted in Philadelphia.



There is so much fun history to these reeded edge halves and Dick and Tom did a superb job putting it together in a very entertaining read. Borrow the book if you can't buy one!



Examples follow. I seem to have misplaced my 1838-O.

Lance.