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 Replies: 17 / Views: 2,897 |
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Valued Member
United States
465 Posts |
I'm considering starting a date set of Capped Bust half dollars in VF plus. What hurdles or challenges will I have? I love the design and the fact they are an early USA issue. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
743 Posts |
They are nice,,, I have 2 of them in my 7070 Album, otherwise no... Those 2 were very expensive... If you have deep pockets, go for it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3848 Posts |
I am fascinated by the Capped Bust half dollar series. Most of the coins are commonly available in circulated grades. I would recommend purchasing a copy of Bust Half Fever by Edgar Souders 2nd edition, although it is pretty hard to find. Take a look at Early Half Dollar Die Varieties 1794-1836 by Overton and Parsley. Both books have an incredible amount of useful information. One of the hardest parts of putting a set together is finding the right coins. You absolutely do not want to settle for cleaned, scratched, problem examples. Only the best of the best should get through to the collection. Because very nice examples are hard to come by, I have had no luck buying bust halves at shows. They are usually found cleaned with a very high price tag. I've purchased all of mine from ebay using saved searches. Overall, this is a set that you need patience to complete. This set may take you many years to complete, but it would be all worth it in the end. The many varieties and rarities within the series will keep you studying for many years. Suffering from bust half fever. Want to learn how to attribute early half dollars by die variety? Click Here: http://goccf.com/t/434955Shoot me a PM if you are looking to sell bust halves. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2362 Posts |
I have many Draped Bust and Capped Bust half dollars in my collection. They and old copper are my favorite series. Because of their large size the early years have lots of interesting die cracks and double profiles that I enjoy. I have the Parsley book and Bust half Fever and agree with 'jacrispies' that they are excellent resources because there are so many varieties in this series. I must admit that I've had to compromise and have some details bust half coins. These coins in higher grades are so often cleaned. Fifty cents was a substantial amount of money in the early 1800's so many of the higher grades were kept out of circulation but cleaned by their proud owners. My personal guideline is to buy only those with old cleanings that appear acceptable to me. I know others will disagree with buying a detailed coin but most of us have budgets. Member ANA and EAC "You got to lose to know how to win". Dream On by Aerosmith Edited by cipster
06/11/2022 10:04 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1801 Posts |
If you want to have some fun, jump on the Internet and read about the economite hoard. It is an amazing story. Too bad so many of them were cleaned before sold.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1801 Posts |
From the Economite Hoard  |
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Valued Member
 United States
465 Posts |
Great recommendations on the books. I'll go to work looking for them.
I'll check out the Economite Hoard too. It sounds fascinating.
I think I'll jump in and look for a good capped bust half to start with.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2003 Posts |
Capped bust is perhaps my favorite series. I must admit that I only have about 6 Bust Halves in my collection in mid to high circulated grades. I especially like ones with overdates. and circulation cameos. A full set may take some deep pockets but not as hard as trying to assemble a set of bust quarters.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12057 Posts |
Look up the Bust Half Nut Club and enjoy going down the rabbit-hole...
Member ANA - EAC - TNA - SSDC - CCT #890 "Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done." -- Louis D. Brandeis |
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Valued Member
United States
465 Posts |
I read all the Bust Half Nut Club info on their web site and also a few articles on the Economite Hoard. I think I got the bug and have purchased a PCGS certified 1833 VF35 from a favorite on line dealer of mine and also a raw 1831 in VF. Both look original and not messed with. I plan to proceed slowly and thoughtfully from here. I still have a couple expensive Morgan's to get to complete that set.
Here I go!!!!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3848 Posts |
Sounds like fun! Enjoy! Soon enough you'll be addicted and have the "fever"!
Suffering from bust half fever. Want to learn how to attribute early half dollars by die variety? Click Here: http://goccf.com/t/434955Shoot me a PM if you are looking to sell bust halves. |
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Valued Member
United States
465 Posts |
Just to follow up. I received my first two capped bust halves in the mail today. I'll post pictures if I ever figure out how.
One is an 1831 and the other an 1833. Both are supposed to be VF but I really think the 1833 is EF. I'm getting a PCGS VF later this week I can compare with. I am absolutely hooked. I love the design and old original toning on both. They appear to be unaltered. I'm very happy with them and I'm anxious to collect the series.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3848 Posts |
Fantastic!! I am looking forward to pictures!
Suffering from bust half fever. Want to learn how to attribute early half dollars by die variety? Click Here: http://goccf.com/t/434955Shoot me a PM if you are looking to sell bust halves. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1316 Posts |
The community has helped one more soul go down a rabbit hole. So proud of all of our hard work. It's like we saved a soul, or something like that. :p For budgetary reasons, I only have 1 Half. But I do have a few dimes and Half Dimes as part of an entry level date set I've been dabbling in over the years. These are beautiful types. Enjoy the ride! Edited by Collects82
06/21/2022 5:43 pm
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Moderator
 United States
94867 Posts |
Not me (yet) not at that part of my 7070 type set yet.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3848 Posts |
Be careful Dearborn, the 7070 is the gateway drug to bust half fever!!
Suffering from bust half fever. Want to learn how to attribute early half dollars by die variety? Click Here: http://goccf.com/t/434955Shoot me a PM if you are looking to sell bust halves. |
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Replies: 17 / Views: 2,897 |
Posted 06/11/2022 09:05 am
