1839-O Capped Bust Half Dollar. Reeded Edge. HALF DOL. GR-1. Rarity-1. Repunched Mintmark. AU-58 (ANACS). OH.This richly toned example exhibits intermingled highlights of red, gold and blue to dominant steel-olive patina. Striking detail is bold to sharp throughout, direct lighting calling forth ample luster that further confirms the validity of the coveted Choice AU grade from ANACS. This issue is the second on which the New Orleans mintmark appeared on the obverse of the half dollar, the first of course the extremely rare 1838-O half dollar, offered above. The 1839-O is the only realistically obtainable mintmarked half dollar of the Capped Bust design type as far as most collectors are concerned, although we stress that most survivors are heavily worn, impaired, or both. This is a conditionally scarce example that is sure to see spirited bidding among advanced collectors. Struck from the latest known die state of the issue, both dies are shattered with numerous cracks, internal cuds evident along many of the cracks on the reverse.From the E. Horatio Morgan Collection.
