1805 H10C MS(PCGS#4272)

February 2026 Showcase Auction - The James A. Stack, Sr. Collection Part II

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

25048

Grade

XF40

Price

10,800

Lot Description

This is a nice example of a challenging issue to find, especially in higher circulated grades. The fields are classic olive-gold while the worn areas are light silver, with ample definition on Liberty's hair curls and throughout much of the eagle's plumage. Early die state with most features well struck, but the ever-present softness is noted on Liberty's bust and in the opposing area at upper right reverse, where the final cloud and adjacent wing tip are blunt. The Draped Bust half dime series passed into coinage history in 1805 with a mintage of 15,600 pieces. This is also the Mint's final half dime delivery of any type until the debut of the Capped Bust series in 1829. Only a single die marriage is known for the 1805 and, while survivors are obtainable enough in low grades by the standards of the type, this issue is a leading condition rarity in the Draped Bust series. Typically offered no finer than the lower reaches of VF, and almost always poorly struck, the 1805 represents a significant find even in attractive Extremely Fine, as offered here.