Smart Buying Guide: How to Acquire Premium Plus-Grade Bust Half Dollars Without Overpaying
March 27, 2026The Silver & Gold Content of My Best Ever Results from a PCGS Submission Explained
March 27, 2026
The Thrill of the Hunt
You don’t always need a dealer to find this. Here is what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots.
As a dedicated roll hunter and cherry picker, I’ve spent countless hours searching through bank rolls, estate sales, and bulk lots for that elusive upgrade. The satisfaction of finding a coin that PCGS will eventually grade AU55+ is unmatched. My recent submission where I achieved 12/17 upgrades (a 70% success rate) proves that with patience and knowledge, you can find exceptional coins without breaking the bank.
Historical Significance of Bust Half Dollars
The coins I specialize in – Capped Bust Half Dollars minted from 1807-1839 – represent a fascinating period in American history. These coins, designed by John Reich and later William Kneass, showcase the evolution of American coinage artistry. Each die marriage (identified by codes like O-103, O-106a) tells a story about the minting process and the wear patterns that occurred during production.
Identifying Key Markers
When cherry picking through bulk lots or estate sales, I look for several key indicators that suggest a coin might upgrade to a plus grade:
- Strike quality: Well-centered strikes with full details on Liberty’s cap and the eagle’s feathers
- Surface preservation: Minimal marks or abrasions, especially in prime focal areas
- Original luster: Evidence of cartwheel effect when rotated under light
- Die characteristics: Knowledge of specific die marriages helps identify scarcer varieties like the “Wing Bar” 1814 O-103
The 1817 AU55+ CAC O-106a “Single Leaf” in my submission is a perfect example – this die marriage is identified by the single leaf below the eagle’s left wing, making it both scarce and desirable.
Value Guide: What Makes These Coins Special
The combination of CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) stickers and plus grades significantly enhances value. CAC verifies that a coin is solid or premium for its grade, while the plus designation indicates it’s at the high end of the grade. Here’s what to look for:
Gold CAC coins (those with green stickers that also receive gold stickers) represent the absolute finest known examples for their grade and variety. These are the coins that serious collectors actively seek.
My 1814 AU55+ O-103 with Gold CAC designation is particularly noteworthy as it represents one of my favorite die marriages. The “Wing Bar” variety shows a distinctive die break that creates a bar-like appearance across the eagle’s wings.
Circulation Finds vs. Bulk Lots
Finding these coins in circulation is increasingly rare, but not impossible. I’ve had success at:
- Bank rolls: Searching through half dollar rolls from smaller banks
- Garage sales: Where non-collectors might unknowingly sell valuable coins
- Online auctions: Looking for lots described generically without recognizing the varieties present
The 1820 AU55+ CAC O-108 I found in a $100 mixed lot is a prime example of successful cherry picking. The seller didn’t recognize the variety or the coin’s potential, allowing me to acquire it at a fraction of its true value.
The Plus Grade Strategy
My approach to plus grades is methodical. I submit coins for plus-only reconsideration, meaning PCGS can only upgrade to a plus designation, not to a higher numerical grade. This preserves the CAC status while potentially increasing the coin’s value. As one commenter noted:
“Many collectors covet that gold bean” – referring to the Gold CAC designation that remains even after a plus upgrade.
Common Pitfalls and Failures
Not every submission is successful. My 1810 Large Date, Large 5 $5 AU53 CAC was my worst failure, returning with no upgrade. This highlights the importance of:
- Understanding when a coin has already been maximized for its grade
- Recognizing that some coins, despite their beauty, may not have the technical qualities needed for a plus designation
- Being selective about which coins to submit for reconsideration
Building a Collection
My collection now includes 41 plus-grade bust halves ranging from AU50+ to AU55+. This achievement demonstrates that with dedication and knowledge, you can build an impressive collection through careful cherry picking rather than purchasing only from dealers or auctions.
Conclusion: The Joy of the Hunt
The true reward isn’t just in the upgrades or the potential financial gain – it’s in the hunt itself. Finding a coin that others have overlooked, recognizing its potential, and then seeing it achieve recognition from services like PCGS and CAC is immensely satisfying. Whether you’re searching through bank rolls, estate sales, or online bulk lots, remember that knowledge is your most valuable tool. Learn the die marriages, understand what makes a coin special, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. The next AU55+ coin could be waiting in the next roll you open.
Related Resources
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