1800 Draped Bust Half Dime. LM-1. Rarity-3. AU-58 (PCGS). Tinges of reddish-russet and steely-charcoal peripheral iridescence accent the otherwise olive-gray complexion of this Choice AU coin. Frosty luster abounds, emphasizing the overall excellent preservation of the surfaces. Only light friction is apparent across the high points and distracting blemishes are absent. Libertys portrait is sharp throughout, showing intricate hair strands and profile features, and much of the eagles plumage is also crisp. Struck from an advanced state of the dies, the obverse has a border break below the digits 00 in the date, a crack up into the bust through the left side of the first 0, and the reverse is cracked through the letter M in AMERICA into the upper right portion of the shield.After a hiatus of two years (1798 and 1799) when no half dimes were struck, the Mint resumed production of this denomination in 1800. Comprised of just five dates, the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle half dime is one of the shortest series in all of U.S. numismatics. Not surprisingly, it is also one of the most challenging types to collect in the finer circulated and all Mint State grades. Most such pieces seem to have survived as a matter of chance. While the LM-1 variety is the most common die marriage of the first year 1800 issue, examples are typically encountered in grades of EF and lower, often with problems. The present piece surely represents an important opportunity for half dime specialists and type collectors. PCGS# 4264. NGC ID: 2326.