Lot 339
1797 Draped Bust Half Dime. 16 stars. PCGS graded AU-55. First of all, this coin is extraordinary, the surfaces don't show wear and we would not at all be surprised to see this coin graded higher in the future, and well it should. As to the strike, we note full curls on Liberty's upper head, but ever-present weakness is located at the center below Liberty's ear. Sharp on the stars, date and periphery. On the reverse, we see clashed dies, which show fine wavy lines above the eagle from Liberty's hair, and the outline of her bust on the upper right of the reverse. The eagle has the usual mushy strike, with most of the wing feathers clear, but the breast and thigh feathers flat. However, the eagle does have a nice head, with a strong tongue and partial eye visible. If you love toned coins, then take a look at this one, the periphery is alive with dark gold, red and blue shades over the lustrous fields and devices, while the centers are still white. There is a trivial dark area on the palm leaves below the M of AMERICA and this will help serve to identify this coin in the future.
This pair of dies clashed very early and both the obverse and reverse show strong clash marks, further the reverse die cracked through the E of UNITED when it was paired with a 15 star obverse earlier, so all coins of this variety have that particular die crack on the reverse. Further, the reverse die shows rust around the periphery, an indication of improper storage (not enough grease) in the humid Philadelphia air. This is a fairly early die state for this variety.
Over the years, a great many coin auction sales have taken place, few can stand the test of time as truly historic memorable collections. The collection, or perhaps "hoard", of F.C.C. Boyd was one of those truly memorable events. His collection was catalogued and sold by Numismatic Gallery in several parts, and this part of the auction took place in May, 1945. Most of the coins were separated long ago from their pedigrees, but a few of the coins in this collection were purchased directly at the sale by Ira S. Reed, acting as agent for Dr. Benson, and the original auction paper envelope is included with the coins confirming this illustrious pedigree.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.
From the Dr. Benson Collection, and purchased by his agent Ira S. Reed at the World's Greatest Collection Sale, Numismatic Gallery, May 12, 1945, for $31.00 with envelope flip included.
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| Realized $13,800 |
