It's been a few years but I've done that. I used to refer to it as "priming the pump" to capture new collectors.
We stole some American Silver Eagles once, 3 of them, from our dad, and spent them at the candy store. He was not happy, and we apologied and repented.
Bust half collectors mostly care about varieties and there are almost 50 die marriages known for 1827. So any Bustie made in 1827 is kind of sexy.
It's been stated that I have a problem with 1827's. I don't know why people would think that...doesn't everyone have 150+ examples of a particular year/mm/denomination?