1801 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-101, T-2. Rarity-3. Fine-12 (PCGS).This otherwise silver gray example exhibits warmer copper-russet peripheral toning that is far more extensive on the obverse. A bit glossy in texture with wispy hairlines also noted for accuracy, although the surfaces are free of sizeable marks apart from a small dig at the back of Libertys neck. Overton-101 represents the only use of this reverse die in the Draped Bust half dollar series, although the extensive and diagnostic rusting has led Steve Tompkins (2015) to suggest that it may have been prepared as early as 1799. With no half dollars produced in 1799 or 1800, this die may have languished in storage until 1801, during which time the extensive rust pitting developed. Tompkins Die Stage 2/2.From the E. Horatio Morgan Collection.
