1801 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-101, T-2. Rarity-2. AU-50 (PCGS). We note an uncommon fullness of luster on both sides of this minimally circulated example, which shines forth nicely through an overlay of dominant champagne-gold iridescence. The borders are more boldly patinated in soft steel-rose and powder blue. The strike is well centered on the planchet, although both sides show only partially denticulated borders and isolated peripheral softness. The peripheral softness is largely confined to the lower left reverse and upper left obverse, the result of a concentration of light adjustment marks (as made) in the former area. A few faint planchet drift marks that slant down to the right through Libertys portrait are also as made. The focal design features are well defined in the context of both the type and assigned grade, and all aspects of this classic U.S. Mint design are appreciable. Freedom from sizeable or otherwise singularly mentionable marks further enhance this coins appeal. Tompkins Die Stage 2/3. The obverse die stage is uncertain due to softness at the letter E in LIBERTY that precludes positive identification of the die crack through that letter.<p>After a four year hiatus, half dollar production resumed in 1801 with Scots Draped Bust obverse and Heraldic Eagle reverse. A single obverse die was paired with two reverse dies to strike all of the 30,289 pieces in three separate deliveries on August 14, December 1, and finally on December 26. Second only to the 1802 half in terms of number coined, the 1801 is of roughly equivalent rarity - perhaps somewhat more frequently encountered but only marginally so - and like its younger sibling is also very rare at any grade level above that of VF. Mint State specimens of either Overton variety of 1801 are vaunted rarities with at most five known specimens, none of which reaching Gem status. With its above average level of preservation, the offered coin in PCGS AU-50 represents a significant opportunity for early half dollar connoisseurs. PCGS# 6064. NGC ID: 24ED.
