Lot 916
1815 Capped Bust Half Dollar. 5 over 2. PCGS graded EF-45. This is actually a middle die state, with the reverse starting to crack, and strong clash marks are noted on the reverse. Half dollar production slowed drastically during the 1812-1815 period as the American public and Philadelphia Mint were distracted with the War of 1812. By 1814 the British had invaded and burned much of Washington D.C. so all gold and silver was hoarded and not turned over to the Mint for coinage. Thus, only 47,150 half dollars were struck in 1815, using one pair of dies, the obverse having been dated 1812 and overdated when it was finally used. The Mint delivered the 1815 half dollars on January 10, 1816, the day before the Mint fire which destroyed the rolling mills thus ending gold and silver coinage for many months.
We note delightful hues of blue, yellow and gold around the obverse, bright at the center, on the reverse the toning is more yellow, with an irregular shaped area on the lower reverse. Clean surfaces and highly appealing for this rare date.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 3, 1944 for $16.00.
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| Realized $3,450 |
