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***Auction Highlight*** 1837 Reeded Edge Capped Bust Half Dollar 50c Graded ms65+ By SEGS (fc)

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:11,831.88 - 23,663.75 USD
***Auction Highlight*** 1837 Reeded Edge Capped Bust Half Dollar 50c Graded ms65+ By SEGS (fc)
***Auction Highlight*** 1837 Reeded Edge Capped Bust Half Dollar 50c Graded ms65+ By SEGS. This richly original and expertly preserved Gem makes a bold visual impression. Both sides exhibit even mottled toning in sandy-silver, and antique steel-gray. The strike is razor sharp throughout, and billowy mint luster is Intense and virtually undisturbed to suggest an even higher Mint State rating.

In 1836, the Mint installed its first steam-powered press, a development that would not only drastically improve productivity, but also impart a greater uniformity that would help deter counterfeiters. To accommodate the new press, the half dollar was given a make over by the recently appointed Assistant Engraver Christian Gobrecht. For the obverse, Gobrecht largely maintained the same design that had been in use for nearly 30 years at this point but reduced the size of the stars and significantly slenderized the bust of Liberty. On the reverse, Gobrecht's changes are much more noticeable. Gone is the scroll and motto and the denomination is now rendered as 50 CENTS with the entire reverse in a beaded border. The new steam press could not effectively apply a lettered edge with the closed collar, so instead a reeded edge was employed. The coin's diameter was slightly reduced and the silver's fineness changed to a much more easily worked 0.900 standard. While a small number were struck in 1836, it was not until 1837 that production hit its stride with 3,629,820 pieces coined. The 50 CENTS reverse was only employed in 1836 and 1837 before the denomination was changed the following year to HALF DOL. The Reeded Edge series has been in a collecting gray area for years, lying between the popular Bust halves and the Seated Liberty issues in terms of die studies. Fortunately, recent scholarship by Dick Graham has been able to shed more details on the series. Courtesy of the substantial mintage, examples can be found in Mint State with only a modest amount of effort, but like their earlier cousins these are mostly at the lower end of the spectrum. Truly Gem examples are quite rare and in high demand by both type collectors and half dollar aficionados. With interest in this transitional series steadily growing, an example with superb eye appeal will attract considerable notice. I have given additional photos of the coin to help illustrate how impressive the luster truly is.
A Corey's Pick, Bid to Win, Don't let it get Away, you might not find its equal Coin. I give this coin my highest recommendation