1837 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Reeded Edge. 50 CENTS. GR-9. Rarity-1. MS-65 (PCGS). CAC.Offered is one of the finest examples of this short-lived Reeded Edge type coin, issued only in 1836 and 1837, before the denomination was changed from 50 CENTS to HALF DOL. starting in 1838. The luster is commanding and the surfaces are moderately toned lilac-gold with a few areas leaning toward russet and blue near the rims. The strike is sharp with all the stars showing their radial lines and the separation of Libertys curls full and complete. Similarly the reverse is bold too, right down to the feather tips and talons on the eagle. A thin die crack arcs across the upper obverse right through Libertys cap into the stars that flank her. On the reverse the legends and denomination also have a thin crack that encircles the entire coin. Interestingly a strong loupe finds no less than five separate clash marks, each quite shallow but can be counted as the dies slightly rotated between these clashing events. This 1837 Gem half dollar represents a quantum leap forward in technology for the Mint, and brought the entire process of making coins into a far more automated and efficient operation. Just 13 coins rank finer across all 1837 varieties.PCGS# 531055.PCGS Population (GR-9 variety only): 1; 1 finer. Just 13 rank finer across all varieties.From the Iron Eagle Collection. Earlier ex our sale of August 2013, lot 4107.
