1801 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-101, T-2. Rarity-3. AU-55 (PCGS). CAC.This lovely coin is toned in a blend of steel-olive, pewter and dove gray shades that are bolder and better blended on the reverse. The strike is well centered on the planchet, both sides with fully denticulated borders and overall sharp detail that is most consistent on the reverse. Isolated features around the obverse periphery are a bit soft, most significantly stars 6, 7, and the letters LIB in LIBERTY. Direct lighting calls forth not only ample evidence of a satin to semi-prooflike finish from the dies, but also vivid undertones of pinkish-apricot, pale lilac and cobalt blue. Tompkins Die Stage 3/3.<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 are vaunted rarities with at most five known specimens, none of which reaching Gem status. With its illustrious pedigree and superior condition, here represents a significant opportunity for half dollar connoisseurs.From the Sutton Court Collection. Earlier ex S. Hudson Chapman, March 20, 1920; John Work Garrett, to the Johns Hopkins University, by gift, 1942; our (Bowers and Ruddys) sale of the Garrett Collection for the Johns Hopkins University, Part I, November 1979, lot 277.
