Capped Bust Half Dollar types for a type set, help?
Russell12
Posts: 531 ✭✭✭✭✭
Trying to figure out what Capped Bust Half Dollars (1807-1839) I need for a PCGS type set. PCGS and The Red Book list different types, what do most people follow?
PCGS
Type 1, Lettered Edge (1807-1836)
Type 2, Reeded Edge, "50 CENTS" on Reverse (1836-1837)
Type 3, Reeded Edge, "HALF DOL." on Reverse (1838-1839)
Red Book
Lettered Edge First Style (1807-1808)
Lettered Edge Remodeled Portrait and Eagle (1809-1836)
Lettered Edge Slightly Modified Portrait Small Date/Letters (1834-1836)
Reeded Edge Reverse "50 Cents" (1836-1837)
Reeded Edge Reverse "Half Dol." (1838-1839)
For my type set these two sources differ in a bunch of coins, your answers will help me figure out which to follow for the entire set.
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Comments
I use my own judgement when it comes to type. I’ve ended up with an expanded type set over the years, well beyond the Red Book list. However, I think the Red Book list is the minimum insofar as the CBH. The 07-08 type is quite different. But, look for yourself.
I think it all depends on how many coins you'd like to collect. After selling my date set, I have had a bit of seller's remorse and have considered collecting what I call an Overton Type Set:
1807-1808
1809
1810-1811 & 12/11
1812-1814
1814-1817
1817-1825
1825-1830
1830-1831
1832-1834
1834-1836
Good luck. Capped Bust Halves are great coins to collect.
@EASilver has a good list that breaks down the 10 "sub-types" of the Capped Bust Half Dollar Dies used for the 1807-1836 Open Collar (Lettered Edge) series.
Edgar Souders discusses these in some detail in Bust Half Fever.
Make it a even dozen and add the 2 types of Reeded Edges; "50 CENTS" on Reverse (1836-1837) and "HALF DOL." on Reverse (1838-1839).
Whatever you decide, it's a fantastic series with great coins, great history and some fantastic anomalies.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
when ya see it, youll know. happy hunting
I use the PCGS type set.
if you collected types by every minor change that was made to a design in the late 18th and 19th centuries, you might as well be a date collector. I used the slots on the NGC Registry as a guide, and have added a few others if I find them interesting.
Whoever this topic comes up, I try to tell the person embarking on type collecting to use their head. There is no “bible” for type collectors, only suggestions. Unless , of course, one has registry goals (not me). Look at the PCGS registry for foreign types that were used in the colonies. There are a jillion types not included. The registry lists are a great place to start, that’s it.
Agree it's up to the individual - collect what you like. Personally, when I start with a new series, I'll do the minimum set definition possible to help flush out the "major differences" and to get a sense of what it's like finding the coins. Many times I'll find I lose my passion for the series, but at least I have some "mini-set" at that point.
I base my CBH type set based on research I did on the various hub changes. Below is what I use:
Sub Design 1, 1807-1808 (Original obverse/reverse design type)
Sub Design 2, 1809-1811 (Major modified obverse/reverse sub-design type)
Sub Design 3, 1812-1817 (New high relief obverse sub-design type) (1817 O-101, O-102, O-103)
Sub Design 4, 1817-1825
Sub Design 5, 1825-1831 (New "modified hair detail" obverse sub-design type)
Sub Design 6, 1830-1832
Sun Design 7, 1832-1834 (New "raised relief" obverse sub-design type)
Sun Design 8, 1834 (Transitional issue, Abominable Bastards O-116, O-114, O-113)
Sub Design 9, 1834-1836 (New "small bust" sub-design type)
I agree that Edgar Souder's book "Bust Half Fever" is an excellent reference and reads like a book.
Only the first three listed in the OP which were those identified in my older Red Books. I consider any other variations minor and not actual types.
This is a nicely summarized list!
Official PCGS account of:
www.TallahasseeCoinClub.com