Despite some hard living, this coin actually has a decent appearance and makes a great hole filler for this massive rarity. Almost all the examples we've seen have had some sort of minor problem (scratches, rim damage) or other. This coin was cleaned and lightly bent at one time. Since then it has regained some natural coloring and retails a fair amount of details. In fact, the reverse is a full Fine-12+. A great affordable example that we beleive was recently discovered. Don't miss this opportunity.

The Famous 1802 Half Dime * #61 in the TOP 100 Book

The 1802 half dime is truly one of the great American rarities in any condition. Despite a reported mintage of 3,060 pieces, only a handful survive. Most estimates are around 35 pieces in all, with most in very low grade and a small cluster of lightly circulated examples at the top of the census. A surprising majority of specimens tend to be damaged, as well. The reason is unknown, but perhaps due to their small size and obscure rarity in the 19th Century.

The 1802 half dime is one of the most coveted of all American coins as they are truly rare, and were issued for general circulation, unlike 1804 silver dollars or 1827 quarters, which were restrikes made for collectors. Any collector of prized numismatic material would be proud to own this rarity.

The surfaces of this coin are medium toned overall with even, honest wear. We note a small, old mark in Liberty's hair which does not distract but does help in identification of this specific coin. Diagnostic rim crumbling is found above the E of UNITED and below the eagle's tail. On the obverse one also sees the diagnostic die line below BE to the top of Liberty's curls. In addition, weakness seen in the reverse stars and clouds is typical of the known specimens.

This example is new to the Logan-McCloskey census making it a very exciting discovery to the handful of known specimens.