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Sale 80
June Pre Long Beach Sale
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Lot 276 |
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1794 PCGS graded Genuine AU Details LM-3. Tooled. Nice even gray toning. The Flowing Hair Half Dimes of 1794-95 were designed by Robert Scot, the chief engraver at the Mint. His design was different than that found on Birch's 1792 half dismes (the spelling of "disme" would gradually evolve to "dime." On the 1792 coins, the denomination is spelled HALF DISME).
Scot's design features a head of Liberty facing to the right with distinctive flowing hair. Fifteen stars, arranged 8x7, surround the head with the date below and the word LIBERTY above. On the reverse, an eagle stands amid an olive branch with the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around it. There is no indication of this coin's value on either side, nor would there be until the Capped Bust design was adopted in 1829. We have to assume that the public in those days understood a silver coin’s denomination or value in commerce by its size. Another example is the world famous English gold sovereign, minted in 1817 to 1932, which never carried a stated denomination (1 Pound). Everyone just knew (PCGS # 38583) .
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,400.
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Lot 277 |
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1795 LM-10, V-4. PCGS graded MS-64. Nicely toned. Only 78,660 struck. A well struck choice specimen that spares no compromises with its rich steel to blue iridescence on both sides. Some light golden rose color in a few areas. Strike is much sharper on the hair than average for the issue, although minor weakness occurs at the eagle. Struck from clashed dies. There are some light hairlines present. Rims very choice. The eagle’s eye, nasal opening and split beak clear. Left wing and breast lack some detail, but the right wing shows most of the feathers.
All of the 7,756 Flowing Hair half dimes dated 1794 were actually struck in March of 1795. A total of 78,660 1795 half dimes were produced. This issue is much more readily available than its 1794-dated counterpart. While most often seen in lower grades, the 1795 half dime can be obtained without a great deal of difficulty in mint state. A hoard of 100 or so average to better quality Uncirculated pieces was discovered around 1880 by Massachusetts coin dealer William Elliot Woodward; this hoard also contained some Uncirculated 1794s. It is likely from this source that most surviving Mint State examples trace.
All Flowing Hair half dimes were struck at the first Philadelphia Mint. No true proofs are known, although some very sharp, reflective examples can lay claim to the status of "Presentation Pieces." Ten different die varieties exist for the 1795 half dime. Over 80% of all 1795 half dimes are from three of these varieties, and the rest are very rare.
Attribution of 1795 Half Dimes begins with the reverse, where a simple count of the berries below the eagle's left wing is the only requirement for attribution. The LM-10 (V4) variety is confirmed by the presence of a single outer berry below the eagle's left (facing) wing. Pop 25; 21 finer, 9 in 65, 8 in 66, 1 in 66+, 3 in 67. (PCGS # 4251) .
Historic association: In 1795, Daniel Boone, aided by "buffalo streets" and Indian trails, created the Wilderness Road. This famous route led the way westward for many future settlers. Boone was captured by the Indians several times but always managed to escape. Less fortunate was his eldest son whom the Indians tortured and killed. Boone's wife and daughter Jemima, were the first white women to see the part of Kentucky around Boonesborough. Settling into quiet domestic life did not appeal to Boone. "Too many people! Too crowded! I want more elbow room." He spent his last years in Missouri hunting and trapping. After a short illness, he died at age 86.
Estimated Value $18,000 - 19,000.
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| Realized
$21,150 |
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