Lot 1067
1897-O Barber Half Dollar. PCGS graded MS-68. Here is a wonder coin, the surfaces approach absolute perfection and the boasts hazy white toning with an arc of blue and gold at the top of the obverse. Examination will note the fields are prooflike, and this is certainly an early impression from the dies (struck soon after they were polished up). When this coin last sold at the Eliasberg Sale in 1997, it was noted that this coin is "possibly a presentation coin, or branch mint proof" to which we concur. Breen, in his Proofs Encyclopedia notes that several different dates of Barber half dollars from New Orleans are known that qualify as branch mint proofs, although he does not mention this 1897-O. Every star, claw, curl and feather is razor sharp, keeping this one in the superb category. As to the surfaces, they are nearly perfect, we see a faint chattermark on Liberty's chin, and another behind her mouth, and on the reverse there is a tiny tick on the fifth wide vertical stripe counting from the left on the shield. A few wispy hairlines can be seen when the coin is examined with a strong glass. Needless to say, this is the only coin graded this high of the date by PCGS, in fact it is likely one of the very best of the small mintage of 632,000 coins. PCGS has graded one other as high as MS-67 below this. Given the fact that this coin was purchased directly from the New Orleans Mint at the time of issue by J. M. Clapp it is conceivable that special care was taken to polish the dies and we see slight evidence of doubling on some of the letters, implying a second strike from the dies. We even note a short lint mark down from the mintmark on the reverse to the D of DOLLAR. NGC has graded one as MS-68 too, and this coin appeared in Heritage's 9/98 Long Beach sale, lot 6784, and this is a different coin than the present specimen with no mention of prooflike fields. Almost certainly tied for the finest known with 1 other example, and a rare date to boot. In an old green insert PCGS holder, which implies this one was graded some years ago. A foremost opportunity for a superb condition rarity.
Estimated Value $25,000-UP.
Purchased by J.M. Clapp directly from the New Orleans Mint in November 1897; John M. Clapp; John M. Clapp estate, 1942, to Louis Eliasberg, Sr., Bowers and Merena's Eliasberg II Sale, April 1997, lot 2080 to the present consignor.
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| Realized $25,300 |
