1847 Crain-3C

Yes, this is another post about an 1847 shattered reverse half dime. As mentioned in earlier posts in this series, there is a third variety, Crain-3C, about which Steve Crain wrote that he had only ever seen one example.

I did not have in mind to search all the 1847 half dimes in Heritage's archives to look for more. But while looking at price histories in that archive, I did look at some of the recently sold coins. The photo below is the reverse of an NGC MS64 that was part of the Hilt Collection that Heritage sold early last year. Notice the crack through A1 that makes its way through the wreath and more faintly through the U. This is the second known example of the Crain-3C shattered reverse variety of 1847. It is from a slightly earlier die state than that of the published discovery piece.

Because 1) this coin was sold in early 2015, before Steve Crain's article was published, 2) I already had an MS66 for the date, and 3) I was not yet actively pursuing varieties, I did not bid on this coin. Now I wish I had... But like the Crain-2B, there probably is another out there for me. I will certainly be looking!

Part 7 will be about a different date - I promise.

Alan

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