Lot 661
1836. Reeded edge. GR-1, Rarity 2. PCGS graded MS-63. Lovely gold and blue toning with splendid russet gold accenting the devices. The toning is simply glorious on this important first issue from the new steam coining press finally ready for operation in late 1836. This was a major advancement for the Philadelphia Mint, and the realization of a dream since their opening in 1793. Why is this? Well, the Boulton and Watt coining operation in Birmingham, England developed this steam minting technology in the 1790s and all world was envious. Their machinery eliminated the need for much of the repetitive tasks such as the manual labor required to strike the coins and the horses used to draw the metal bars through the drawing mills. All these tasks could be done by the machinery driven by steam, which produced far more uniform coins and more rapidly than a well staffed mint could produce. So, here is one of the very few surviving 1836 Reeded Edge half dollars that has developed glorious toning over lustrous surfaces. Softly struck in the reverse center as the Philadelphia Mint was still tinkering with the striking pressure when this one was coined. Pop 8; 9 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 6175) Estimated Value $15,000 - UP
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| Realized $14,418 |
