Rarity: Very Scarce

Variety Equivalents: Breen 4616

Notes:
This was the only use of the obverse and reverse dies.

Notes:
The finest "1815/2" example graded by PCGS is a single MS-65.

Images courtesy of Superior Galleries

Significant examples:
NGC MS-64 (illustrated above)
- Superior Galleries' "Pre-Long Beach" Sale, October 1-3, 2000, Lot 3289, where it was described as follows: "Hair so sharp you could cut yourself on it, and an eagle so outstanding it almost seems alive. Everyone knows 1815 is the key date in this handsome series. Fewer were struck -- 47,150 to be exact -- and only a small number of these surviving in Uncirculated condition. However, in choice Uncirculated grade, in Mint State 64, the date is akin to a great movie star: everyone wishes to get near to him, but few succeed. That is why NGC and PCGS report only 4 in this condition, with 8 higher. Merely confirmation what we've said above. Take heed and bid aggressively. (NGC holder 593305-001).  "Due to conditions during the War of 1812, when the American government declared war on Britain, our nation's finances were up in the air until hostilities ceased in 1815. America's soldiers were fighting battles throughout the New England and middle Atlantic states, with, at one point, the English putting the Capitol in Washington, D.C. to the torch. Is it any wonder, then, why only a few Half Dollars were struck in 1815 -- along with some Quarter Dollars and an issue of Half Eagles. It required several years after hostilities ended for the economy to return to normal."

PCGS MS-62.  Ex - Superior Galleries "Pre-Long Beach" Elite Coin Auction, May 25- 27, Lot 2545, sold for $13,225.00 

Recent appearances:
"Choice About Uncirculated"
- Stack's "65th Anniversary Sale", October 17-19, 2000, Lot 916, illustrated, not sold

PCGS AU-50
- Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Long Beach Signature Sale", May 31-June 2, 2001, Lot 8359, illustrated, sold for $4,485.00  From the Collection of Dr. Joseph M. Seventko

"AU-50 Lightly Cleaned"
- Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Santa Clara" Sale, November 16-17, 2000, Lot 5302, "Overton-101, R-2", illustrated, sold for $3,105.00  From the Alfred S. Lippman Collection.

"About EF"
- Stack's "The September Sale", September 12-13, 2000, Lot 364, "Overton-101, 1815/12", sold for $2,300.00

PCGS VF-25
- Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Long Beach Signature Sale", May 31-June 2, 2001, Lot 8358, not illustrated, sold for $1,437.50

Net VF-20, sharpness of VF-30.  Ex - Bowers & Merena Galleries' "The Cabinet of Lucien M. LaRiviere, Part II", March 15-17, 2001, Lot 1699 sold for $1,265.00

1815/2 About Very Fine.  Ex - Stack's "65th Anniversary Sale", October 17-19, 2000, Lot 917, "Overton 101", plated, sold for $1,322.50

VG-10.  Ex - Bowers & Merena Galleries' "The Cabinet of Lucien M. LaRiviere, Part II", March 15-17, 2001, Lot 1700, "Overton-101a", sold for $1,150.00

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" by Walter Breen

"Early Half Dollar Die Varieties 1794-1836", Third Edition, by Al C. Overton

"The PCGS Population Report, April 2003" by The Professional Coin Grading Service