1817/3 O.101 Capped Bust half, PCGS VF35, crusty original! DavidKahnRareCoins

Description

1817/3 O.101' (Prime Die State) Capped Bust half dollar, PCGS VF35.
Note that this is Die State 101.1, as described by the very informative, new BHNC publication, "Die State Progressions of the Capped Bust Half Dollar Die Varieties 1807-1836" (which is available from us exclusively, either here on ebay or on our website).
The vast majority we find of this issue are from later states of the dies, and are O.101a's.  Not a big deal, you say?  On the contrary.  101a's tend to be very poorly struck, and some don't even have a head on the eagle!  Many 101a's have drawn stars and lettering, indistinct dentils, and a generally underwhelming, mushy appearance.  Not so here!  This coin is very boldly struck.  The eagle's feathers are easily accounted for...each and every one of them, even on the neck.  The rims and dentils are full and sharp.  There is no hint of the die cracks to come, or even the rust lumps most early die states show.  Thus, this is, in our considered opinion, a true Prime die state, and the only one we know of.  But there is more.  The deep, antique gold patina is beautiful, and is highlighted by a bit of blue and russet iridescence.  There is luster under the antique patina.  The surfaces are not perfectly smooth and show scattered tiny marks, but everything else about this great coin is very lovable indeed!  All of this would be more than enough, but taken together with the facts that this is a very scarce Redbook variety in a hugely-popular series, and is one of the oddest overdates in US numismatics, we end up with a very special coin indeed.  Can you imagine the thought process of the engraver - hmmmm, I know...I'll hide this 3 by punching this 7 over it!  That'll work great!!  Nobody will ever notice!!!
DavidKahnRareCoins is your source for scarce, rare and high-quality collector coins.  We are members of all leading numismatic organizations, including the ANA (Life 6503) and the prestigious Professional Numismatists Guild, better known as the PNG (David L. Kahn, member #744).  We are also PCGS, NGC and CAC Authorized, and can serve as submission centers for our customers.  More info on this, as well as other services we provide may be found on our website or by contacting us as noted below.
We are happy to answer questions or address issues. Our Customer Service department is open Monday thru Saturday from 8am to 6pm eastern time. Our mailing address is: POB 1637 Olney, MD 20830-1637.
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