1815/2 Capped Bust Half Dollar. O-101. Rarity-1. AU-58 (PCGS). A wonderfully original example of this eagerly sought overdate, with blended deep mauve and olive-charcoal patina dominating the appearance. Vivid undertones of cobalt blue and antique gold are also seen, emphasized by substantial traces of mint luster in a soft satin texture. The dies are in a later state and show considerable evidence of clashing, though the central elements remain sharply defined, and there is no trace of the reverse crack that would later develop to identify the Overton-101a die state. Exceptionally smooth and appealing in all regards.<p>The half dollar was the most popular denomination with bullion depositors through at least the middle decades of the 19th century, although the Mint was caught unprepared by the renewed demand after the War of 1812 in February of 1815 and did not have any 1815-dated dies on hand. To allow coinage to resume as soon as possible, Mint employees retrieved an unused 1812-dated die, punched a 5 over the 2, and used this obverse to strike approximately 47,150 1815/2 half dollars. Overton-101 is the only known die marriage of this issue, although it comes in early and late states, the latter identifiable by peripheral die cracks on the reverse. While enough examples of both the O-101 and O-101a die states have survived to make both varieties readily obtainable, the lack of any other die marriages means that the 1815/2 is scarce compared to all other dates in the Capped Bust half dollar series. This Choice AU example is a superior quality survivor that is just shy of Condition Census for the O-101 die state per the listing in the Spring 2021 revision to Stephen J. Herrmans AMBPR for Bust half dollars.<p>
