|
Sale 78
|
|
press UP arrow key to increase the zoom ratio.
press DOWN arrow key to decrease the zoom ratio.
press RIGHT arrow key to increase the zoom window size.
press LEFT arrow key to decrease the zoom window size.
|
|
Lot 1755
1802, 2 over 1 BD-8 Rarity 4. NGC graded MS-63. A well struck specimen on a problem-free planchet with all details fully defined. Loaded with frosty mint luster throughout. The 2 in the date is high and touches the bottom edge of Liberty's bust. (Two obverse dies are known for this year and denomination, with either a centered 2 or a high 2 in the date. Both of these obverse dies show the 2 repunched over a previous numeral 1, indicating that both were made from unused 1801-dated dies.) The 1 in the date lacks its top serif. The lower right serif of E in LIBERTY is repunched. A long spine on the reverse runs from a leaf into the R in AMERICA.
This die state is described by John Dannreuther (2006) as "Obverse state c, further clashed; Reverse State b, clashed, lapped, crack at UNI(TED)". (Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties, A Study of Die States, 1795-1834; p. 255) A later die state followed in which a prominent cud affects the rim above ITE in UNITED.
The surfaces display attractive mint bloom, giving this early Half Eagle a wonderful right-from-the-Mint appearance. The striking detail is first-rate, with Liberty's hair well defined; sharp feathers on the eagle's breast. The warm yellow-gold color is permeates strong undertones of sunset gold, increasing the coin's appeal. This coin escaped the usual die clashing seen on others. Some scattered marks here and there, along with a few trivial nicks at the obverse rim above the word LIBERTY.
This very attractive piece, therefore, is one of the better-graded examples of the 1802/1, and we foresee great attraction and determined bidding when its Lot number is called. Pop 13; 15 finer, 1 in 63+, 13 in 64, 1 in 65 (PCGS # 8083) .
Die Characteristics: BD-8 has the 2 in the date touching the bust; perfect T's on both sides. On the reverse, the last S over far right of a cloud. Estimated to be 150 to 200 known of the variety, which Dannreuther puts as Rarity-4.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000.
Ex: Purchased from Jerry Cohen in the early 1980's The Del Valle Collection.
|
| |
| Realized $30,550 |
|
