1824 24 over 1

The 1824 24 Over 1 Capped Bust Half Dollar documents a Philadelphia Mint die preparation practice that has produced some of the most studied overdate varieties in early American silver coinage. When the Mint repurposed an 1821-dated die hub by overpunching the last two digits to read 24, the die retained visible traces of the underlying 1 beneath the new 4. Examples show this remnant clearly on well-preserved pieces, with the diagonal of the original 1 protruding from the lower portion of the overpunched 4. This variety reflects the period economy in die preparation, when reusable hubs and dies extended Mint capacity at a time when domestic die manufacture remained labor-intensive.

Composition matches the broader series at 89.24% silver, 13.48 grams, and 32.5 millimeters in diameter, with the lettered edge inscription FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR completing the standard specifications. Authentication of the 24 Over 1 begins with locating the diagnostic underdigit trace within the 4. The 1 should appear as a vertical or slightly diagonal line emerging from the lower right of the 4, visible without magnification on Extremely Fine and better pieces. Wear can obscure this feature on heavily circulated examples, making higher-grade survivors easier to attribute. The Overton reference provides die marriage numbers that further confirm the variety through star placement and dentil characteristics.

Auction activity tracked by Heritage Auctions shows the 24 Over 1 appears at most major sales each year, with prices reflecting strong specialist demand from Bust half collectors. Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) population data places this overdate among the more accessible 1824 die marriages in mid-circulated grades. Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) certified populations confirm similar availability patterns. Mint State examples remain scarce, and gem-quality pieces command substantial premiums when offered. For background on Mint die-reuse practices during the 1820s, see the Capped Bust Half Dollar series history.