3527

[L#3527] 1815/2 50C MS62 RAW

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
[L#3527] 1815/2 50C MS62 RAW
Attractively toned. This example from The Alto Collection was returned as "cleaned" from NGC. However, we strongly disagree that this piece should not have been holdered as a net grade in the mint state range. It is a wonderful example for the Bust Half series.

Why were so few halves made in 1815? The lead-up to the War of 1812 had resulted in an embargo by the Americans against British shipping interests (1807). The importation of copper planchets from England's Boulton & Watt firm had thus been halted by the early days of the War, and the embargo continued through 1815. During the hostilities, the uncertainty of the outcome caused people to hoard cash, especially gold and silver. Thus, very little bullion made it to the Philadelphia Mint for coining, and coinage came to a virtual halt. Furthermore, the Mint had a disastrous fire in January of 1816 which curtailed coinage until late 1817. Hence, 47,150 half dollars were all that were produced in 1815, a fraction of prior years' issues.