A Monumental Progression in my Capped Bust Half Dollar Set
EDL
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Never in my decade of numismatics did I ever think I would be making this post, starting out collecting in early 2016 I had my eyes on Pre-33 Gold, I had been trading stocks and was not doing to bad for myself so I could afford a coin here and there, usually at the PCGS trade and grade shows in Vegas, I made many friends and became hooked on coins. This progressed into seated type which I collected for about four years. Then in 2020 I found a love for early type, specifically capped bust half dollars. This all snowballed from there, I sold off my seated halves and went full force into bust halves. Such intriguing history comes along with them. The birth of our great nation, events that would be cemented in history forever. The process of creating these coins is also fascinating, the die cracks and varieties are near endless. It also happens to be one of my favorite designs of all U.S. coins.
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Anyways, I have been collecting bust halves for about six years now, and what a great journey that has been. So many new friends and a wonderful club of like minded individuals that have helped me progress even further into what will become a lifelong collecting journey chasing all 450 die marriages. A feat which few have accomplished, which I hope to add my name to that list some day.
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The point of this post is to highlight the recent CSNS in Chicago, what a show that was, seeing old friends and making new ones. I never expected what was going to unfold in those two days I was attending.
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I had a deal lined up for an 1807 o-111b better known as the "Bearded Goddess" in AU50 CAC, one of my dream coins I would gawk over. I was unsure if it would be going through. Luckily, it did, this in itself would have made my whole show ten fold. Finding such a rare die marriage in AU with CAC approval is nearly impossible. There are only three higher(with the full break and CAC approval) an AU50+, AU53, AU55. Basically, in AU and CAC there are four to choose from. Extremely rare. The one I was able to acquire is a beauty, rolling luster, near white surfaces, just lovely. I am thrilled to own it and have no complaints whatsoever.
ex. Link, O'neal
-Heritage says: 1807 50C Capped Bust, Bearded Goddess, Large Stars, 50/20, O-111b, R.5, AU50 PCGS. Ex: Link. In many ways, the 1807 Bearded Goddess is the unchallenged "demand rarity" of all early Capped Bust varieties -- and a star of the entire Lettered Edge half dollar series. It ranks high on the wantlists of innumerable Bust half and die anomaly enthusiasts. Overall, the 1807 O-111 die marriage is remarkable in many ways -- not the least of which is its rarity in both the very early and very late die stages. The early, uncracked die state is undoubtedly rarer, but the late-state Bearded Goddess wins the popularity contest hands down.
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-Legend says: One of the most popular Capped Bust die varieties, and one of the few times that a die state gets its own entry into the Red Book, and thus into the focus of many more collectors than just those “Bust Half Nuts” that go into the intricacies of the 450+ die marriages listed in Overton from 1807-1836. This marriage pairs the popular 50/20 blundered denomination with an obverse die that cracked down the center early on. This break began at the chin and connected the chin to the bust, thus the moniker. As the die continued to break, the crack splintered off into the eye and headband.
This lovely AU is among the finest known for this RARE and popular issue. While considered to be Rarity-5 by experts, there are not enough to satisfy demand, and anytime one appears at auction, regardless of condition, the collectors flock to it. This one has a pleasing silver-dove tone overall with accents of tan and gold. Much frost clings to the surfaces, giving it a pearly look. There are some minor friction lines, and perhaps a hairline or two, none that are distracting. The The strike is decent for the variety, which is often softly impressed on the eagle’s wing.
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What unfolded the next day is nothing short of a funny coincidence or a miracle. I cannot decide. I was sitting at Eye Appealing Coins table conversing and doing some show and tell. I was talking about my new pickup and how excited I was to call this one mine, when a fellow collector pulled something out and said he was contemplating selling it. I took one look and knew. He had pulled out the finest known O-111a, for those who don't know this is the die state before the famous "Bearded Goddess," this example is well struck, lustrous, and boasts some amazing album toning, along with being the sole finest known with CAC approval. The one caveat with this particular example is the grade. Due to some form of underlying OCD or something I only collect AU50-AU55, focusing on the 55s, If you have seen my other posts you would know.
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Lets just say I easily made an exception for this coin and it is now the only AU58 in my set. One thing I have learned from my collecting journey and hearing others stories is that you always stretch for the best of the best. This example is the best of the best. I am proud to say that this coin has found its way into a new loving home where I plan to keep it for the rest of my collecting journey. Very few times have I been so enthralled and not hesitant to buy a coin for my set. Its like when you see a girl and fall in love at first glance. I fell in love, and there is no looking back now. This coin is so close to a full die break through the cap, it is referred to as a "Half Beard" it seems to be one or two die states off being a "Bearded Goddess", I will post up close photos so you can see just how close it really is.
ex. Friend, Link
This coin is also featured on the front page of the BHNC website, with beautiful photos done by Mark Goodman.
Here is the up close of the "Half Beard" O-111a
Here is the up close of the "Full Beard" O-111b
Notice on the O-111b how the die crack extends through Lady Liberties eye and through her head band, on the 111a it does not. Although they do share the same die crack starting in star 1 and running all the way to star 7! This coin is so close to being a 111b, it is mind boggling, who knows what that would be worth!
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To sum it all up, I am proud to say these two examples are now in a loving home where they will be cherished for decades to come! Here they are together basking in all of their glory!
Thank you for viewing !
Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici
BHNC #253
Comments
Great post!
Custom album maker and numismatic photographer.
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Congrats! That was a fun read.
What a great pair of coins and excellent post - congratulations!
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Great post and story! That O-111a is AMAZING!
My current "Box of 20"
Amazing coins!
Congrats on getting that O.111a. It truly is a very special coin, with its long line of previous owners being a who’s who in the CBH collecting world.
Enjoy them!
Dave
Congrats and a great read. It was awesome seeing these in hand at CSNS!
Collector of Capped Bust Halves, SLQ's, Commems, and random cool stuff! @davidv_numismatics on Instagram
Congrats on the awesome coins you have definitely caught the addition. Enjoy the journey. The friends are as precious as the coins.
Numismatics at it absolute finest. Congratulations sir.
Congratulations buddy, a huge accomplishment. That 111A is a monster! I’m glad it went into your collection.
Beautiful coins !
Absolutely spectacular coins and thread!
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Friend Link provenance almost certainly means great coin.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
This made me smile. Thank you for sharing this part of your journey.
Whit
Super Interesting read!
Spectacular Coins! Both beautiful and rare!!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
@pursuitofliberty
Wow. What a story and it resonates with all of us who find that special coin or two. I am so happy for you and you are justly proud to own these compelling coins. Someday, you'll have to grace us with a collection display at a major show. I'd love to see them all together and geek out with you. Thanks for sharing your journey.
"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
running like a water color in the rain...."
I’ll echo the “amazing coins and post” sentiment. Well done and thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
Ethan
Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici
BHNC #253
Thanks David,
Nice seeing you as usual.
Ethan
Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici
BHNC #253
Only the best!
Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici
BHNC #253
I am far off from that but hopefully one day. Sometimes the coins just speak for themselves.
Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici
BHNC #253
Congratulations! Thanks for great writeup.
Sounds like you had a great show Ethan ... great coins with great history ... and I appreciated reading the write-up!
Big additions for sure, and a solid push forward towards the next teir on the BHNC "registry".
Congratulations!!
“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
congratulations on two great examples and the education lesson. Thanks !!
Top 10 Cal Fractional Type Set
successful BST with Ankurj, BigAl, Bullsitter, CommemKing, DCW(7), DesertMoon, Downtown1974, Elmerfusterpuck, Joelewis, Mach1ne, Minuteman810430, Modcrewman, Nankraut, Nederveit2, Philographer(5), Proofcollection, Realgator, Silverpop, SurfinxHI, TomB and Yorkshireman(3)
Wow, nice post and coins! I finally got the Bearded Goddess in 2025, also from Eye Appealing Coins. Mine is only a VF-30, but it has the green sticker as well.
10-4,
My Instagram picturesErik
My registry sets