Bust Half. What do you think?

What would cause this coin to have such a difference between the obverse and reverse?

 

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Isn't this date usually rather like that? Though this one may be more extreme than usual.

 

I don't know, but I see the same thing all the time on Barber coins. I wonder if it's a difference in relief, or a tendency for people to put a coin face-up before sliding it across a counter...

 

interesting you post that 1837 half. I have wondered the same about this 1837 half I have.

Notice how the obverse edge and denticles are quite pronounced, while on the reverse the edge and denticles are non-existent, or very weak.
This would lead to the wear pattern which your coin shows. It thus appears to be a characteristic of the year, or of this particular variety: strong obverse edge/weak reverse.

 

I have the same issue with this coin.

 

That makes three already...

 

Mine is like that too, always wondered about that.