I just bought this 1806 Busy Half, and was wondering about the missing cloud. I see in the PCGS Photograde, clouds are missing. I cannot find information on this coin, so I come to the knowledge of Coin Talk for help. Thank you much.
I just bought this 1806 Busy Half, and was wondering about the missing cloud. I see in the PCGS Photograde, clouds are missing. I cannot find information on this coin, so I come to the knowledge of Coin Talk for help. Thank you much. View attachment 1062776
Nice looking and normal for its age and circulation. It's not just the cloud that's missing but a star and a half are missing. It's a weak error in the design and probably a grease or debris filled Die to start with. Looks like a lovely addition to any collection.
The Draped Bust, Large Eagle silver coins are frequently weak in that area. It is opposite Ms. Liberty’s bust, which is a high point in the obverse design. Since that cloud is also a high point, there frequently is nor enough metal to fill both dies. It does come struck up on a few coins, most times on Bust Dollars.
Johnmilton got it. You also often see weakness or missing Pluribus on the ribbon on capped bust halves for the same reason. Detail loss opposite a high relief area on the other side.
Thank you much. I figured there is somebody who can help me. Makes sense about the high points on obverse and reverse. I love learning...
The early half dimes were the poorest struck of all the early silver coins. The dies were tiny; the design was complex and detailed; and the planchets (coin blanks) were very thin. This 1805 half dime shows the typical weakness on both sides. Ms. Liberty's bust line is flatly struck as well as the area above and to the right of the eagle's head. The slab grade (old green label) is VF-35. Most people would grade this coin as an EF-40 today. And this 1800 half dime is a worderful exception. Early Half Dimes, like this, which are fully struck and Mint State are rare. The slab grade is MS-64. I paid a premum price for this piece.
No, it wouldn’t because few people would get to see it. Museums can be the best and worst places. When they make an effort to educate people that’s great. Too often they lock material in vaults where almost no one sees them. That is my beef with the Smithsonian.
