Rare Gem 1812 Half Dollar Graded MS65 by PCGS

Housed in an older holder and CAC approved.

This is a scarce issue in properly graded MS65 and finer. PCGS has graded 17 in MS65 (plus three in 65+), as well as 10 in MS66 (plus three in 66+), and a solitary MS67. Based on their frequency of appearance at auction, I think that these numbers are swelled by resubmissions, and it is not likely that more 15-20 Gems exist.

This exceptional Gem is housed in an old Generation 4.0 holder, which means that it was graded sometime between late 1998 and early 2002. This is important as it means that the surfaces are stable and that the coin was graded to a tighter standard than one encapsulated in late 2024. In my opinion, this coin is comparable to other pieces I’ve seen graded MS65+, and it is close to an MS66.

Delicate rose and champagne-gold colors are visible at the top of the obverse and along the left reverse border. The strike is extremely sharp with a number of the stars showing complete radial lines. There are no clashmarks and the borders are more complete than normal. Most importantly, this coin is true to grade with no rub on the cheek.

An NGC/CAC MS65⭑ brought $21,000 as Stack's Bowers 12/2020: 2205. Just one PCGS/CAC 1812 half dollar has sold at auction in the past decade, and it was a dark coin which sold cheaply as Heritage 2024 ANA: 4167. Heritage sold a PCGS/CAC MS66 for $21,600 in May 2024.

This date is in demand due to its historic significance, and this coin would make a wonderful type example of Capped Bust half dollar for the collector who prefers naturally lighter coins than the usual deeply toned examples.

CAC has approved seven in this grade with nine finer (eight in MS66 and a single coin in MS67).

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