Lot 1911
1937 Antietam Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-66. Delicately toned around the borders. A coin with a nice satiny appeal, silver toned surfaces appearing as when first struck taken from its issue card or envelope and submitted to PCGS for grading. The MS66 grade is confirmed by viewing this premium quality Gem. In addition to the fine luster, the coin displays impressive striking detail for an Antietam half dollar (all of which seem to have been carefully made). This is to say that the strike is full on the dual portraits of Generals McClellan and Lee, including those few hair strands over Lee's ear which on rare occasions keep this from a gem designation (PCGS # 9229) .
After pursuing Confederate General Robert E. Lee into Maryland, Union Army Major General George B. McClellan launched attacks against Lee's army, in defensive positions behind Antietam Creek in September 1862. Despite superiority of numbers, McClellan's attack failed to achieve much, resulting in a three-phase battle that Lee was able to counter by shifting forces to meet each challenge. Again, despite ample reserve forces that could have been deployed to exploit localized successes, McClellan failed to destroy Lee's army. The upshot was that Lee's plans were foiled and he withdraw his army back to Virginia without interference from the cautious McClellan. Historians rate the battle as tactically inconclusive.
Estimated Value $800 - 900.
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| Realized $920 |
