Bust Half Dollars were made from 1794 to 1839. All were minted at Philadelphia except in 1838 and 1839 when the New Orleans mint made Bust Half Dollars.
There are sub-types as follows: --- Flowing Hair (1794-1795) --- Draped Bust, Small Eagle Reverse (1796-1797) --- Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle Reverse (1801-1807) --- Capped Bust, Lettered Edge (1807-1836) --- Capped Bust, Reeded Edge – 50 CENTS Reverse (1836-1837) --- Capped Bust, Reeded Edge – HALF DOL. Reverse (1838-1839).
Bust Half Dollars are extensively collected by date as well as by die varieties.
Attractive dove-silver surfaces with a faint champagne hue. Remnant underlying luster is strong for the grade and blends in nicely. The strike is sharp and even. A lofty grade for the issue. Only 3 coins have graded mint state at PCGS, 1 MS-60 and 2 MS-62.
Overton 101. Attractive silver-gray surfaces and well detailed. A better date with a mintage of 29,880.
Large 3. Sharp and even detail with remnants of mint luster.
Well detailed with pleasing medium gray surfaces.
Well detailed with solid light to medium gray shaded surfaces.
Well detailed with problem-free, 2-toned gray surfaces.
Pointed 6, Stem. Sharp detail with richly gray toned surfaces.
Knob 6. Small Stars. Well detailed with surfaces of silver-white hue and touches of champagne-gold tint.
O-103. Medium gray shading.
Attractive coin-gray surfaces with solid detail and strong eye appeal.
Natural coin-gray surfaces and strong detail for the grade.
Lustrous gray shaded surfaces with sharp detail and a pleasing appearance.
Well detailed with pleasing natural gray surfaces.
III Edge, O-107. Attractive medium gray surfaces with light gray highpoints.
Lustrous and sharply struck with brilliant surfaces that are framed by light toning mainly at the periphery.
Gray shading with a blend of light gold hue.
Well detailed with pleasing surfaces that retain a trace of luster.
Rich steel gray surfaces with hints of gold hue and noticeable underlying luster.
Well detailed gunmetal-gray surfaces.