1800 Draped Bust Half Dime. LM-2. Rarity-7. EF Details--Damaged (NGC).A more than respectable example of this rare die marriage. Both sides have a somewhat rough, granular texture with a touch of glossiness and wispy hairlines pointing to an old cleaning. Light scratches over and around Libertys portrait are also noted for accuracy. The surfaces have retoned quite nicely, however, charcoal-russet peripheral patina giving way to lighter golden-gray toward the centers. Lightly struck in and around the centers, typical of the type, but otherwise we note bold detail at the EF grade level. Discovered by Walter Breen and reported in <em>The Coin Collectors Journal</em> in 1958, the LM-2 variety is among the most elusive marriages in the entire half dime series. Just seven to 10 specimens have been confirmed, many of which have been subject to some form of mishandling over the years. Early half dime specialists will be sure to recognize the significance of this offering.
