1805 Draped Bust Half Dime. LM-1, the only known dies. Rarity-4. EF-40 (PCGS).This otherwise golden-gray example reveals iridescent champagne-apricot, pale lilac and powder blue undertones as the surfaces dip into a light. Generally well centered on the planchet, especially on the reverse, the strike has imparted suitably bold detail in most areas. All 1805 half dimes are softly struck to one degree or another, however, the present example blunt on Libertys bust and in the opposing area on the reverse. Ample satin luster remnants help to confirm the EF grade from PCGS, the in hand appearance uncommonly smooth for an early U.S. Mint silver coin that saw actual, if limited circulation. A superior quality survivor of this scarce and conditionally challenging issue that is sure to catch the eye of specialists.<p>The Draped Bust half dime series passed into coinage history in 1805 with a mintage of 15,600 pieces. This is also the Mints final half dime delivery of any type until the debut of the Capped Bust series in 1829. Only a single die marriage is known for the 1805 and, while survivors are obtainable enough in low grades by the standards of the type, this issue is a leading condition rarity in the Draped Bust series. Typically offered no finer than VF, and almost always poorly struck, the 1805 represents a significant find even in attractive Extremely Fine, as offered here.
