1794 50C Overton 106 MS(PCGS#39208)

The August 2010 Boston Rarities Sale

拍卖行

Bowers & Merena

批号

508

等级

AU58

价格

1,184,451

详细说明

1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. O-106. Rarity-6. AU-58 (PCGS). CAC. With a limited mintage and a poor rate of survival, the first-year 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is an important find in today's market irrespective of die marriage. The present example is of even further importance to advanced collectors because it is the finest-known survivor of the rare O-106 die pair. With no cracks on either side, this piece is one of the earliest impressions from these dies. The absence of the bisecting die crack at the top of the obverse is not particularly significant in this regard as not all examples display that feature. In the fourth edition of the book <em>Early Half Dollar Die Varieties: 1794-1836</em>, however, Donald L. Parsley states that, "All observed specimens show a [reverse] die crack from edge to pair of leaves below first S [in STATES]." The fact that this coin does not exhibit that crack, therefore, is highly significant and confirms the (very) early die state.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This coin has an impressive pedigree, and it is described as "Finest" for the variety in Stephen J. Herrman's <em>Auction &amp; Mail Bid Prices Realized for Bust Half Dollars: 1794-1839</em>, Spring 2010 revision. Lavender-gray obverse toning yields to warmer tannish-apricot highlights at the rim. The reverse is a bit lighter with golden-gray patina and pinkish-apricot shadings at the denticles. The strike is well centered on the planchet and overall sharp, Liberty's haircurls and the eagle's head and breast being particularly noteworthy in this regard. There is very little to report in the way of light highpoint rub, and bothersome abrasions are also not seen. Criss-crossing adjustment marks over and around the obverse portrait are as struck and, in conjunction with a thin, vertical graze on the eagle's breast, should serve as useful pedigree markers. Partial mint luster remains--a highly desirable characteristic that is best appreciated at direct light angles.