Lot 3968
1815 Capped Bust Half Dollar. 5 over 2. . Overton-101a. NGC graded MS-64. NGC serial #1619260-004. Wonderful blue and golden toning. Well struck and choice for this rare date. One of the finest examples we have ever handled. A fascinating example of this key Bust half dollar date that is one of the top dozen known. Even disputatious experts agree it is one of the most beautiful in terms of aesthetic enjoyment, though tied with several others at this technical grade level. The toning supplement greatly to coin's allure, with rich colorful shades over iridescent lustrous surfaces. There is a concentric ring of purple and blue at the stars and legend. Both dies have minor clash marks, as seen on a large percentage of half dollars in 1815. Mintage fell to 47,150 pieces during 1815 when the climax of the Napoleonic Wars reached a crisis, upsetting the world's specie payments system. Little silver or gold was sent to the Mint that year for coinage, and this paucity in supply continued through to 1817 or 1818. Then, to add tragedy to misery, in January 1816, a disastrous fire struck the Philadelphia Mint areas housing the rolling equipment used to prepare the ingots and strips of silver and gold coinage. Production ceased until repairs could be completed in 1817. The disruptions of the Napoleonic Wars, and our own War of 1812 with Britain brought impaired coin production. According to historical accounts, the 1815 coinage that was produced was circulated through the Planter's Bank of New Orleans. Most survivors today are well circulated or badly impaired. Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated coins can be found for a price. However, this particular coin seems to be with us only through the favor of providence. It belongs in a world-class set of United States coins. Pop 6; 2 in 65.
Estimated Value $45,000 - 55,000.
Ex Bowers 1/2003 sale.
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