United States 1805 half cent
The draped bust half cent was struck 1800-08 and this is a common date. Altho the draped bust design was used on the large cent from 1796, it was not introduced to the half cent until 1800. Numerous varieties exist for this date but this one, where the stems of the wreath do not extend past the ribbon, is common. This specimen was lot 1061 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Costa Mesa, CA, August 2021), where it sold for $720. The catalog description[1] noted, "1805 Draped Bust Half Cent. C-1. Rarity-1. Medium 5, Stemless Wreath--Double Struck--VG-8 (PCGS). A stemless wreath and a medium, slanting 5 are the main diagnostics for this variety. Impressive doubling on the obverse gives the impression of a camera being out of focus, with several degrees of rotation visible between the first impression and the second. The reverse is slightly rotated and exhibits weakness throughout. Charming mahogany color covers both sides. A fascinating and eye-catching error."
Recorded mintage: 814,464.
Specification: 5.44 g, copper, 23.5 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 33.
- Breen, Walter H., Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U. S. and Colonial Coins, New York: Doubleday, 1987.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Yeoman, R. S., and Kenneth Bressett (ed.), A Guide Book of United States Coins, 65th Ed., Atlanta, GA: Whitman Publishing, 2011.
- Alexander, David T., Coin World Comprehensive Catalog & Encyclopedia of United States Coins, Sidney, OH: Amos Press, 1995.
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