1833 capped bust half dollar: die trial copper/nickel oddity

I'm posting this because a friend without internet access wanted me to get some info.

He has been coin collecting since the 1960's and believes that he has a 1833 capped bust half dollar, copper-nickel die trial piece.

When he purchased this coin he immediately noticed that it was made of a much darker material and that it did not have the distinct ring that other silver coins had. He states that the word "Liberty" in the head band is barely visible, yet he would grade the coin fine because of the other words on the coin.

He says that this coin is mentioned in Spadone's, Major Variety and Oddity Guide of United States Coins.

What would this coin be worth?

Robb
Atlanta, GA

 

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Hi Robb,

Can you post a picture?

Can't give you much info without seeing the coin.

 

Hello Jody,

It took a few days but I had my friend send me a couple of jpgs for viewing.

I await your and others opinions/suggestions on this coin and it's value.

Thanks,
Robb
Atlanta, GA

 

Sorry to burst the bubble, but the coin in the pic is a fake.

 

Hi Robb,

It appears to be a contemporary counterfeit.
There are folks that collect these, but quoting a price is very difficult.
If I had to guess, I would estimate $20-$30.

One thing I am sure of though, it is not a die trial or a pattern.

 

Hello National Dealer and Jody,

I relayed your responses to my friend.

Additionally he states that this is a letter edge engraved coin, with the phrase Half Dollar or 50 cents visible on the rim.

He also has a silver coin of the same year which also has this engraved.

Not sure if this additional information if taken into account would change your opinion(s) on the coin's authenticity/value. (I do know that this coin was purchased by him in about 1965; it is mentioned by Spadone, whom I have read that some regard more so than others.)

Any other comments, suggestions, opinions?

Thanks in advance,

Robb
Atlanta, GA

 

Hi, Robb.

The edge lettering is standard for the design of halves from that period.
I can find no Judd, or Pollack number for a pattern that matches your friend's coin.
Wish I could tell you that it is a rare, yet heavily circulated, pattern coin, but that just isn't the case.

 

I agree. I have dealt and seen many pattern coins in my years in this business. The lettering on the example pic that you provided do not match any known die configuration.
Additional points of referrence, are the star alignment, date alignment, and legend alignment on the reverse. None of these match with any known pattern or the final design of the 33 Bust.

 

I am no expert on fake Bust halves, but I know they are VERY common. I am sure your friend would rather think that he has a rare coin, but even without all the diagnostic points mentioned, the odds are overwhelmingly against him.