1805/4 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-101, T-4. Rarity-3. AU-58 (PCGS).Sharply struck in all but a few isolated areas, both sides also sport lovely toning in mottled olive and steel gray patina. Vivid undertones of powder blue, antique gold and pinkish-rose iridescence also exist to further tempt the viewer as the coin rotates under a light. Direct lighting also calls forth ample remnants of the original finish, the fields modestly semi-reflective and the design elements with a more satiny texture. Tompkins Die Stage 1/2.<p>1804 was a year of transition for large denomination gold and silver coins. The eagle saw a modest last gasp of coins produced before embarking on a 34 year hiatus and no 1804-dated silver dollars or half dollars were coined for circulation. Two obverse dies were prepared for an anticipated run bearing the 1804 date, but it seems that the 188,234 half dollars all dated 1803 were sufficient to meet the required needs for the year, so the two dies were shelved. In 1805, both dies were recut but made little attempt to efface the 4, leaving an easily recognizable crossbar readily visible. There are three 1805/4 overdate die marriages, of which only the O-103 may be considered scarce overall. Many of the early Heraldic Eagle half dollars are remarkably challenging to obtain in high grade and despite the respectably large production figures, the 1805/4 is no exception. Most specimens fall solidly in the middle of the circulated grade pack, especially at the VF level. Above that, however, is a different story with even the most advanced half specialist mustering at best an EF or lower-end AU with considerable effort. Above Choice AU the issue is decidedly rare and seldom encountered except in some of the most legendary of collections, such as tonights exceptional specimen from the Garrett Collection. The easily visible overdate, apparent even on very worn specimens has made the 1805/4 a very popular issue even among the casual early half dollar collector. For specialists, this issue marks the first overdate variety and the starting point for a host of others within the expansive Capped Bust half series. Here is just such an outstanding piece from one of the greatest American collections.From the Sutton Court Collection. Earlier from our (Bowers and Ruddys) sale of the Garrett Collection for the Johns Hopkins University, Part I, November 1979, lot 280.
