1839 50C GR-3 MS(PCGS#531100)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

4283

Grade

XF40

Price

1,800

Lot Description

Another very scarce die variety for which Dick Graham advises, "you should pick up whenever you see one and look to upgrade it if you come across a better one later." The GR-3 is actually tied with GR-2 as the second rarest 1839 die variety and shares an obverse with four others of the year, including the famed 1839 Small Letters. Offered is an attractive middle die state coin with an arc of bright blue iridescence at the left obverse periphery and light gold and rose colors hugging the remaining peripheral areas. The centers are nearly brilliant. Among the four years that Capped Bust, Reeded Edge half dollars were produced by the Philadelphia Mint, 1839 provided the second lowest output, a fact reflected in fewer offerings to collectors today and higher prices realized than for examples of the more commonly seen 1837 and 1838 issues.