Overton Designation Question For Bust Halfs

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Author	Replies: 6 / Views: 263
Pmint1 Valued Member United States 465 Posts	Posted 02/09/2026 12:09 pm I just purchased a very used copy of Overtons "Early Half Dollars Die Variety" book but have not received it yet. I am searching online to try to differentiate between a 1807 o-109a and an o-109b. I am a newbie but I wondered is the difference between "a" and "b" always the die state and will the book help me determine which one I have? Report this Post to the Staff

adam126402 Pillar of the Community United States 877 Posts	Posted 02/10/2026 10:02 pm Pmint, maybe consider posting images of known 109a and 109b examples. Might help get some traction on this topic. Report this Post to the Staff
adam126402 Pillar of the Community United States 877 Posts	Posted 02/10/2026 10:18 pm Assuming we are talking draped bust, I found this reference on ha.com. A late state of the obverse, justifiably deserving to be labeled "O-109b." In fact, that is exactly how it is recorded in Herrman's record of the series. The obverse crack of O-109a now has chips between the outer points of stars 2 and 4, easily visible without magnification. Report this Post to the Staff
Pmint1 Valued Member United States 465 Posts	Posted 02/10/2026 11:36 pm The 1907 draped bust half was just shipped to me today. I will post pictures when it arrives. If the sellers pics are good enough I will try to post. Thanks much!!!! Report this Post to the Staff
Pmint1 Valued Member United States 465 Posts	Posted 02/10/2026 11:49 pm The main reason I am asking if its a o-109a or o-109b is I saw one on ebay that looked identical and was listed as a o-109b. The seller listed as a o-109a which I am sure is correct but just confirming. Either way I am super excited to own this coin. My first draped bust half. Report this Post to the Staff
adam126402 Pillar of the Community United States 877 Posts	Posted 02/10/2026 11:57 pm That would be 109b as it has the die chips at the 2nd and 4th stars. However, I don't think the TPGs recognize 109b, just 109 and 109a. Report this Post to the Staff
Pmint1 Valued Member United States 465 Posts	Posted 02/11/2026 12:00 am Great info. Thanks! The 109b has a higher rarity rating I believe for whatever thats worth. Report this Post to the Staff
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