NGC® Recognizes Reeded Edge Half Varieties

Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC®) has begun attributing the Capped Bust Reeded Edge Half Dollar series by Graham (GR) Numbers per the newly-published book describing and illustrating each die marriage for this series. These varieties will be included under NGC’s VarietyPlus® service, an adjunct to its grading and encapsulation services.

Author Dick Graham’s book A Registry of Die Varieties of Reeded Edge Half Dollars 1836-1839 was long anticipated, and its release came during the recent World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia. A previous monograph written by the late Jules Reiver had been employed by some collectors for attributing Reeded Edge Halves, but this proved to be incomplete and very challenging to use, as it included no photographs. The Graham work solves this problem, and NGC determined that this series would make a worthwhile addition to its already extensive and highly regarded service.

Unlike the Lettered Edge Half Dollars that preceded them, Reeded Edge Halves were almost entirely hubbed, with the final numeral of the date being the only hand-punched element. The distinguishing points of Reeded Edge Halves are thus very subtle, and these coins may be challenging to attribute in grades below VF 20. It’s suggested that submitters bear this in mind when selecting coins for variety attribution.

Persons submitting Capped Bust Reeded Edge to NGC for certification may receive variety attributions by checking the box marked VarietyPlus® on the submission form and paying the $12 fee. Reeded Edge Halves already encapsulated by NGC may be submitted for Designation Review at the same fee, and this cost includes a fresh holder.

The NGC website, www.NGCcoin.com, features a complete table of varieties recognized by NGC under its VarietyPlus® service. This table lists the NGC label description and variety number, as well as all applicable cross–referencing numbers. The Graham varieties of Reeded Edge Half Dollars will also be included in NGC’s Certified Coin Registry.