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Collecting Bust Half Dollars can be approached from several vantage points. Most individuals build early United Stated coinage type sets and required only one example of the Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, Capped Bust and Reeded Edge halves. Then there are the variety specialists who take collecting to a precise level by seeking out individual die pairings within a date.

The Overton and Parsley reference books for collecting Bust halves by variety are well known and loved. All Gerry Fortin Rare Coin offerings are attributed to the Overton variety classification system. Rarity numbers are from the same source. When no rarity number is shown, then an R1 (common) rarity is implied.

GFRC has joined with Dave Cinquina to cross-link Bust Half Dollar variety information. Dave is constructing a free online resource (BustHalfAddict.com) that illustrates the Overton varieties with GFRC providing sponsorship. As a result of this partnership, each GFRC listing carries an Overton number and link to the relevant page at BustHalfAddict.com. By simple clicking on the Overton number, access to specific variety information and high resolution images is provided at the Dave Cinquina site.

Happy Hunting to all! Please do not hesitate to provide feedback on how Gerry Fortin Rare Coins might improve your Bust Half Dollar acquisition experience.

There are 29 Coins for Sale. New coin(s) added on August 21, 2026

Photo	Date	Grade	TPG	Variety	GFRC Rating	Price	Description	Buy
Flowing Hair
	1794	VG8	NGC 117262077	O-101a	Original	$5250	New July 27! Popular first year half. The 1794 half is a very poplular first year type. This one has even grey surfaces and displays a circulated cameo appearance. Both sides have some hairlines.
Draped Bust
	1795 Two Leaves	G4	PCGS 50856418	O-120	Original	$2350	New July 13! Original Charcoal Toning. Ex. Hawk Farm Collection. Even deep original charcoal grey toning on both sides. Nice detail for the grade on Miss Liberty's face and hair. A few small old toned over scratches including one x in front of Miss Liberty's nose.
	1805	EF40	PCGS 41957571	O-106	Original	$2650	New August 21! Good Detail with Choice Reverse. Ex. Evergreen. This is a crusty decently struck medium grey coin with nice even wear. The obverse has tinges of light blue color seen in the peripheries.There are a number of small marks seen throughout the obverse with muted luster. The reverse is easily choice quality with ample luster and no notable marks.
Capped Bust
	1806 Pointed 6, Stem	VG10	PCGS 19225725	O-118b	Choice	$850	Original and Smooth; Cool Die Cracks. A cool die variety with die cracks from rim to claw, through TED and from rim through the O in OF into the stars. The coin looks just how a totally original 1806 half should look with even grey surfaces. The surfaces and the rims are very clean and the detail is good for a F12, except for the eagle's left facing wing which is weak due to striking weakness caused by the die breaks.
	1808	AU58	PCGS 46956753	O-102a	Gem	$5950	New August 21! Highly Lusterous Fields Surrounded by Attractive Rim Color. Ex. Evergreen. It will be hard to find a more eye appealing AU58 of this date. Highly lusterous centers are surrounded by very pretty rim toning that is more expansive on the obverse. Decently struck with reasonably smooth surfaces. A massive die break starts on the rim above Miss Liberty's head, traverses her entire length of her hair down through the 0 in the date through to the rim.
	1809 III Edge	VF30	CACG 551850642	O-111	Choice	$995	Colorful Toning. Probem free. Ex. John McCloskey. Beautiful toning is the hallmark of this early bust half. Grey blue and rust toning cover the peripheries of this sharply struck coin. The wear pattern creates a circulated cameo look on the obverse. In a CACG Witter Brick holder.
	1809 III Edge	VF20	PCGS 57652956	O-109	Choice	$460	New June 26! Attractive Obverse Color. This Redbook variety displays attractive blue, magenta, and copper toning that surrounds the stars, date, and Miss Liberty. Beneath the toning, marks in the field to the left of Miss Liberty's chin and neck can be seen with a loupe. The reverse rims are toned blue-grey and orange.
	1810	MS62	PCGS 26442498	O-102a	Choice	$3950	New August 19! Lustrous and Attractive. Ex. Evergreen. Pale pink over light grey lustrous surfaces. Softly struck on Miss Liberty's central portrait and the eagles left facing wing, one of the main characteristics of O-102a, but well struck elsewhere. Pedigreed to D. L. Hansen.
	1811/10	MS62	PCGS 16110402	O-101	Gem	$9500	New August 20! 1811/10 Overdate, Scare in Mint State, Superb Bright Light Colors. The obverse tan shades and reverse greens give way to center rose and aquamarine surrounded by peripheral gold once activated. Fields are steely with ample luster for spinning cartwheels. The toning may appear thick from the images, but actually is quite transparent. This piece warrants a Gem quality rating and is fairly priced for the premium nature. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with CAC approval. The label documents the Witham pedigree.
	1812	MS62+	PCGS 43331784	O-107	Choice	$3950	New August 20! Granular Frosted Luster, Pristine Surfaces, Heavy Die Clashing, Center Dot. Granular frosted luster and light gray patina are promptly noted when inspecting this choice 1812 O-107 half. It is difficult to imagine how such an early piece of Americana can be so well preserved. Surfaces are pristine with any abnormalities being die clashing. A small obverse center dot is evident along with die crack from milling up through the lower bust. Another GFRC new offering that is certain to please the knowledgeable numismatist. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2022) holder with CAC approval.
	1813	EF45	PCGS 37026697		Choice	$925	Super Original. Both sides have grey toning with original luster peaking out at the stars and letters. Weakly struck at the lower reverse and upper part of the obverse.
	1814	AU58	PCGS 11458785	O-103	Gem	$2950	New August 20! Gem Original. Ex. Evergreen. A very attractive and completely original looking Capped Bust half dollar. Nice mint luster remains on both sides. The centers are largely deep silver grey, with delightful sunset hues around the rims. Nicely struck from dies that clashed multiple times, leaving an interesting array of clashmarks on both sides of the struck coin. A heavy die defect connects the left wing of the eagle to the scroll above, and makes this common variety easy to quickly identify.
	1814	AU50	PCGS 83089023	O-107a	Choice	$1595	New July 2! R5 Die State: Original Grey Toning. This slate grey PCGS AU 50 CAC Bust half is the late die state of O-107 with a die break on the tip of Liberty's nose. It is considered R-5 and is an important and interesting coin for Bust half variety collectors. In AU 50 CAC, we believe this approaches the condition census. This is a fully original coin with grey toning. A moderate sratch on the cheek is noted.
	1818	AU58	PCGS 43975448	O-104a	Choice	$2500	New August 20! R-3, Neat Die Crack, Original Toning, Near Gem. Ex. Evergreen. Original coin grey patina covers both sides of the pretty coin. Colorful peripheral toning adds to the appeal. Well struck with only the lightest of wear. Some light lines on the obverse keep us from rating this gem. The neat die cracks make this an interesting die variety. R-3 or better.
	1823 Patched 3	MS62	PCGS 39322807	O-101a	Choice	$7950	New August 21! Patched 3, Exceptional Eye Appeal, Brilliant Frosted Luster, Vibrant Cartwheels, Very Scarce CAC Approved. A luscious 1823 O-101a Patched 3 offering that would be a highlight in an advanced Capped Bust half dollar collection. Beautifully preserved with a stunning presentation of brilliant frosted luster and surrounding copper-gold and aquamarine-blue peripheral toning at the rims. A few luster breaks in the left obverse field account for the technical grade. Eye appeal however, is that of a higher grade. Mint worker efforts to "patch" the center of the digit is easily seen under 10x. This is a low CAC population variety that is always popular. Only three have been approved at this grade level with six finer. The pricing premiums grow much more substantial at Choice Mint State. I like this piece so much that a JUST BUY IT NOW recommendation is warranted as this is such a pretty example. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 holder with CAC approval.
	1824	AU58	PCGS 47199096	O-117	Choice	$1400	New August 16! Superb Eye Appeal, Brilliant Frosted Luster, Peripheral Copper-Gold. Ex. Evergreen. A marvelous 1824 O-117 example with brilliant frosted luster and top shelf eye appeal with superb luster.
	1826	AU55	PCGS 16656644	O-116a	Choice	$795	New July 2! Strictly Original with Few Marks. This is a strictly original 200 year old light grey Bust half with few marks of any note. The reverse has some darker patches which embodies the originality.
	1827 Square Base 2	AU58+	PCGS 29863816	O-120a	Choice	$1500	New August 21! Excellent Flashy Luster. Ex. Evergreen. One of 11 AU58+ PCGS coins of the Square Base 2 variety. The excellent luster is flashy. Miss Liberty is struck well, but the a number of stars have no radial lines. One thin pinscratch can be seen on the left obverse field that curves to her bottom lip. The reverse is near gem quality.
	1827 Square Base 2	AU58	PCGS 34255013	O-106	Choice	$950	Grey Gold. This late date Bust half has grey gold patina over well struck, problem free surfaces.
	1828	MS61	PCGS 84228030	O-114a	Choice	$1500	New August 21! Well Struck, Lustrous. Ex. Evergreen. This untoned Bust half has excellent luster and is well struck except for the eagle's shield. Some lines on both sides but relatively mark free.
	1829	AU58	PCGS 21726649	O-113a	Choice	$1600	New August 16! Steely Frosted Luster, Vibrant Cartwheels, Completed Strike, Choice Surfaces. Ex. Evergreen and Twin Lakes Collections. Capped Bust half dollar fans should pay close attention to this 1829 O-113a specimen. Unquestionably choice with smooth steely fields and unabraded surfaces. Luster is the typical steely-frosted texture often see on early halves at this grade level. Light copper-gold toning is fairly consistent on both sides and does not impede the underlying luster during bright light inspection. The O-113a die state can be attributed by the last A in STATES being filled. Yet another excellent Twin Lakes release. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.3 (2004) holder with CAC approval.
	1829 Small Letters	AU55	CACG 916384004	O-119	Choice	$850	New June 26! Strictly Original. Accurately Graded. Strictly original with light grey surfaces. There is a thin ring of orange toning along the obverse rims that enhances the eye appeal. Some old thin lines can be seen on the obverse, but are not too distracting. The reverse is decently struck with smooth surfaces and is gem quality on its own.
	1829/7	AU58	PCGS 8794703		Gem	HOLD $2750	New August 18! Exceptional Eye Appeal, Gem Original, Popular Overdate, Twin Lakes Collection. Ex. Evergreen Collection. "Intense" is the operative word to describe the frosty granular luster on this 1829/7 O-101 Capped Bust half. This piece simply lights up and give the appearance of being freshly struck. Strike is close to complete, a difficult feat given the erratic nature of screw press production. The overdate is clear with the bottoms of the prior "27" easily seen with 10x. This luster bomb is an unquestionable gem at grade. This piece will be worth its premium once in hand. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with CAC approval.
	1830 Small 0	AU58	PCGS 44225561	O-115	Choice	$1350	New August 17! Small 0, Super Eye Appeal, Briliant Frosted Luster, Near-Gem. Ex. Evergreen and Twin Lakes Collections. This is a near-gem 1830 O-115 Capped Bust half release that has excellent eye appeal. Inspection under angled lighting will immediately convince collectors to take this one home as the frosted luster is quite intense and eye catching. Undisturbed granular mint frost is readily seen with a 10x. Speckled gray-ebony toning nicely frames the brilliant centers. Reverse strike is deeply impressed while the obverse clasp is weakly defined. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2023) holder with CA approval.
	1831	MS64	PCGS 36782850	O-106	Choice	$4950	New August 19! Well Struck, Original Surfaces. Ex. Evergreen. Pale grey toning over frosty original surfaces. Very well struck with hardly a trace of rub. The surfaces are smooth for the grade.
	1832 Small Letters	AU53	PCGS 49589535	O-114	Original	$665	Challenging Overton Pairing, Satiny Luster, Untoned, Near-Choice Original, Lakeland Collection. 2025 Black Friday Sale Offering - Clearly a better Overton variety, this 1832 O-114 offering is worthy of consideration for its brilliant luster and well preserved surfaces. The obverse luster falls into the satiny realm with heavy metal flow lines into the milling while the reverse is much more steely in presentation. Mint frost is readily evident on both sides with minimal abrasions. The O-114 variety can be attributed by multiple die lines below the right side of the reverse shield. Surfaces are untoned with two micro-ticks on the reverse. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.1 (2020-2024) holder.
	1834 Small Date, Sm Letters	MS61	PCGS 50984625	O-116	Gem	HOLD $1650	New August 20! Superb Eye Appeal, Granular Frosted Luster, Swirling Cartwheels, Low CAC Population. The certified grade is much too conservative given overall eye appeal including brilliant frosted luster from granular mint bloom. Cartwheel are intense and so pleasing. Toning is intermixed olive, rose, gold, and gray. Bright light viewing leads to light rose-gold with shimmering luster. Why MS61? O-116 captures Obverse Hub 8 with double outline of clasp. CAC population is two at MS61 and eight at MS62.
	1834 Sm Date, Sm Ltrs	AU53	PCGS 32708883		Choice	$850	Pretty Dual Sided Toning. This is a well struck lustrous Bust half dollar with wonderful dual sided toning. The reverse is slightly rotated. Beneath the color, there are some light lines on the left obverse field emanating near Miss Liberty's chin. The eye appeal will not disappoint.
	1835	AU58	PCGS 11365973	O-101	Choice	$1200	New August 15! Choice Original. Ex. Evergreen and Twin Lakes Collections. Medium skin covers both sides, revealing silver and smoky gray patina, while the high points of Liberty exhibit deeper slate color. A few crusty bits reside here and there, most notably in the reverse shield. Hairline-free surfaces are clearly original, and the aesthetic appeal is wholesome. O-101, with the upper lip thick, and the 5 (in 50 C.) punched at a left slant. CAC reports 262 pieces in all grades combined, 51 examples in AU58, and 53 coins in Mint State. The CAC price guide assigns a value of $870. Housed in PCGS Gen 4.4 (2005-2011) holder with CAC approval. PCGS #6168
	1835	EF40	CACG 436746183		Choice	$450	Colorful Toning. This near gem has light grey surfaces with copper centers and beautiful colorful toning at the peripheries. The usual conservative grading by CACG.
	1837 Reeded Edge	AU58	PCGS 40907208		Choice	$1250	New August 21! Strictly Original and Well Struck. This is a strictly original Reeded Edge half with medium grey surfaces. Well struck with few handling lines seen. There is a curved mark on Miss Liberty's cheek and darker toning in the date area. The reverse displays ample luster.
	1839-O Reeded Edge	VF30	PCGS 24965170	GR-1	Choice	HOLD $2195	New July 13! Key New Orleans Date, Terminal Die State, Crusty Choice Original. Ex. White Pine and Sooner Collections. A really cool key date 1839-O GR-1 lot with crusty coin gray patina and found with massive terminal die state die cracks. This GR-1 variety is one of the repunched O mintmark varieties. Housed in a PCGS Gen 4.5 (2012-2013) holder.