Lot 3384
1846. Large Date. NGC graded MS-64. A gorgeous untoned example and boldly struck throughout. Highly lustrous vivid gold with traces of reflectivity on both sides interspersed with the mint frost. Considerably scarcer in Mint condition than its mintage of 395,942 pieces would lead one to expect. Most circulated; most known specimens range from Very Fine to Extremely Fine, to which can be added a scattering of About Uncirculated pieces. The present coin, graded MS-64, stands with only two others in this top grade quality among and is one of the nicest looking 1846 half eagles of which we are aware. Even the famous Harry Bass was able to locate only a Mint State 63 after years of aggressive buying. This may represent a once-in-a-decade opportunity for bidders. Pop 3; none finer (PCGS # 8226) .
Events of the day: on June 19, 1846, a New York Knickerbocker baseball player, Davis by name, was fined 6 cents for swearing at the umpire. The umpire happened to be Alexander J. Cartwright, a bewhiskered surveyor, who had originated modern baseball two years earlier.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,000.
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