1805 Draped Bust Half Dime. LM-1, the only known dies. Rarity-4. AU-58 (NGC). This is a remarkable near-Mint quality example of this scarce and conditionally challenging early half dime. Satiny in texture and impressively smooth, both sides are warmly toned in silver-rose and light steel patina. Vivid multicolored undertones include reddish-pink, champagne-gold and powder blue. The strike is typical for this challenging die pairing with Libertys bust and the opposing area at the upper right reverse quite blunt. Other areas are appreciably bolder and, in the absence of significant wear, the overall design is fully appreciable.<p>The final year of issue for the Draped Bust design type and a single die marriage issue, the 1805 is also the last half dime produced by the United States Mint prior to 1829. The generally accepted mintage for this issue is 15,600 pieces, a total that was quickly reduced by commercial use. No more than 2% of the mintage is thought to have survived to the present time. Over a long period of years, the greatest of American collections have rarely had an impressive example of the 1805 half dime, for in addition to its absolute scarcity, it is a classic rarity in high grades. Apart from isolated grading events in MS-62 and MS-64 (both at PCGS), as well as a handful of AU examples, all survivors are in lower grades, typically Fine to VF. It is particularly noteworthy that the D. Brent Pogue specimen was certified AU-55 by PCGS at the time of our May 2015 Pogue I Sale. The presently offered specimen also undoubtedly ranks in the Condition Census, and it is sure to find its way into an advanced collection of half dimes specifically, or Draped Bust silver coinage in general.
