1801 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-101, T-2. Rarity-3. VF-35 (NGC).

1801 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-101, T-2. Rarity-3. VF-35 (NGC).，This is a delightful Choice VF example with a dusting of golden-tan over pearlescent silver surfaces. Slightly soft at the upper obverse border though still boldly defined elsewhere. A few unremarkable marks are visible with a glass but the complexion remains smooth to the naked eye. The reverse exhibits considerable rust defects (as-made) through the left peripheries that suggest this die was possibly made several years earlier. <p>The 1801 half dollar is significant as the first half dollar struck since 1797 and also the first issue to depict the Heraldic Eagle motif on the reverse. It ushers in a new century of United States coinage and is one of the key dates of the early half dollar series. The O-101 variety was the second of two die marriages used for the issue, matching a new reverse with the obverse used to strike the O-102. This example delivers strong eye appeal and technical quality that will appeal to both type collectors and specialists.<p><em>Remarks from the Consignor:</em> I love this coin for the subtle patina and considerable detail remaining to the surfaces. All 1801 half dollars are scarce, but truly attractive specimens are very rare regardless of grade. This is wonderful coin that will fit proudly in any specialized set of early half dollars.，From the Sutton Court Collection of Early Half Dollar Varieties. Acquired privately from Stacks in the 1980s.，