Lot 525
1817. Dated 181.7. Overton-103, Rarity 3. NGC graded AU-50. Nice even toning. The fourth "style" of Reich's capped bust left Half Dollar, that of 1817 to 1825, incorporated several major improvements. First, the curls are far more finely engraved below the cap than on any other date range in the series. Second, major changes in the relief of the drapery occur, especially the top fold in front of the clasp. Finally, the cheek and jaw are in higher relief and the chin more tilted upwards, plus there was some relief modification to the cap.
The nature of the progressive changes in the style of Reich's bust design -- from fine hair to coarse, and then starting over with fine again -- shows clearly that in this period the Mint was using master dies rather than hubs, as these modifications would have required the addition of more metal to a hub, but merely deepening of the engraving on a master die. The "Master Die" concept was, according to Stack's and other researchers, standard practice at the Mint until many years after the end of the Bust Half Dollar series. Pop 4; 10 finer at NGC for the variety.
Estimated Value $450 - 500.
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| Realized $1,087 |
