1802 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-101, T-1, the only known dies. Rarity-3. AU-53 (NGC).A handsome piece warmly and evenly toned in deep pewter gray. Direct lighting calls forth pale pink and powder blue undertones, as well as allowing appreciation of faint remnants of original satin luster. The strike is well centered on both sides with overall detail expectably bold at the assigned grade level. Tompkins Die Stage 1/1.<p>The 1802 half dollar has the lowest mintage of any of the Draped Bust issues, with only 29,890 coins being delivered in three separate batches: 7,910 coin on January 26, the largest batch on December 8 with 19,660 pieces, and finally 2,320 on December 10. The entire production of 1802 half dollars was accomplished using a solitary pair of dies, including a reverse die first used for the 1801 Overton 102 die marriage. The 1802 half dollar has been something of a hidden rarity, not necessarily in an absolute sense - there are an estimated 400 extant pieces believed extant - but rather as a significant condition rarity. Only three Mint State examples are known, none higher than MS-62. Most of the remaining examples have primarily been certified at the low to middle circulated grade levels, only seldom coming any finer than EF. A desirable Almost Uncirculated specimen is quite scarce and seldom encountered on the market. As a key issue for the series, this piece will be an important acquisition in any advanced half dollar collection.From the Sutton Court Collection.
