1802 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-101, T-1. Rarity-3. AU-55 (PCGS).Swaths of rich mint luster, particularly on the reverse, billow from the protected regions of this impressive rarity. The surfaces are silvery and pearlescent, accented by tinges of peach and violet that deepen at the borders. Nicely bold, showing notions of peripheral softness that are typical of the variety, though the centers remain sharp. A beautiful and technically superior piece. <p>Just one pair of dies was employed to strike the entire 1802 issue, recycling the reverse die from the 1801 O-102 variety. With 29,890 coins struck, this issue has the lowest mintage of the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle type and is a key date along with the 1801. The Condition Census is topped by two Mint State examples, including the MS-62 (PCGS) Pogue specimen, followed by a half dozen pieces down through the lower AU grades. An astounding Choice AU example like the current piece falls comfortably within the top 6 or so specimens and is a significant find for half dollar collectors. From the Collection of Thaddeus A. Tatum III. Earlier ex Heritages sale of April 2013, lot 4260.
