The Coastal Collection
1823 Ugly 3

Obverse:

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Reverse:

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Coin Details

Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: HALF DOLLARS - CAPPED BUST, LETTERED EDGE
Item Description: 50C 1823 UGLY 3 O-110a
Full Grade: PCGS AU 53
Owner: Keigwin

Set Details

Custom Sets: This coin is not in any custom sets.
Competitive Sets: The Coastal Collection   Score: 1936
Research: NGC Coin Explorer NGC Coin Price Guide
NGC US Coin Census for Early US Type Performance

Owner Comments:

O.110a, R3, CAC.

Dirty, prooflike surfaces.

A lot can be said about the troublesome 3 in the 1823 varieties. Four different varieties resulted but not all from the same WD.

The "broken 3" (O.101) came from a new 3 punch and the less than satisfactory result was not touched up as would normally have happened.

The "patched 3" (O.101a, O.102) was a botched repair attempt to the same die.

And the "ugly 3" (O.110a) was due to a die crack from the rim upward which simply broke away the right side of the numeral.

The fourth 3 variety -- not a recognized "major" one, the "tampered with 3" (O.106a), was likely due to a simple die chip and not inept tampering.

Not all researchers agree on the causes for the calamity. But collectors enjoy them and it brings some excitement to an otherwise drab year.

Ex-Troy Nelson (Allgood collection), ex-Dick Graham.

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