Lot 1210
1817. . O. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ CAC Approved. Housed in an OGH. Nicely toned and boldly struck. The luster glows from every part of the surface. The fourth "style" of Reich's capped bust left Half Dollar, of 1817 to 1825, incorporated several major improvements. First, the curls are far more finely engraved below the cap than before. Second, major changes in the relief of the drapery occur, especially the top fold in front of the clasp. Finally, the cheek and jaw are in higher relief and the chin more tilted upwards, plus there was some relief modification to the cap.
The nature of the progressive changes in the style of Reich's bust design -- from fine hair to coarse, and then starting over with fine again -- shows clearly that in this period the Mint was using master dies rather than hubs, as these modifications would have required the addition of more metal to a hub, but merely deepening of the engraving on a master die. The "Master Die" concept was, according to Stack’s and other researchers, standard practice at the Mint until many years after the end of the Bust Half Dollar series. Pop 11; 9 finer at PCGS (PCGS # 6109) .
Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000.
Ex: Eliasberg Collection.
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| Realized $6,900 |
