Lot 420
1860 Liberty Seated Half Dime. Obverse of 1859, reverse of 1860 (with stars). PCGS graded MS-67. The coin without a country! One of the more famous pattern issues, the obverse retains the 1859 and prior design with the stars surrounding Liberty, while the reverse is the new style with the larger wreath, as was adapted in 1860. The problem with the design is, there is no identifying which country issued it! Only 100 were struck, sort of as a pattern issue, but they have been included in all the mainstream collecting references for decades, such as the Guide Book, Breen's Encyclopedia and others. Hence, everyone wants one, and there are precious few to go around. PCGS has graded just 42 of these, and this one sits solidly at the top as MS-67, and is one of 5 seen by that service graded this high.
The surfaces are pristine, and the frost literally jumps of the surfaces. Around the edge we note deep blue toning turning to gold through the obverse stars and reverse wreath. The strike is not quite complete on just three of the stars, perhaps because of the wreath on the reverse. One of the most famous of all pattern issues, and always in feverish demand. To find one so fresh and pristine is quite a challenge, and no doubt this one will be snapped up be an eager collector who demands the absolute best available.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl on April 2, 1945 for the relatively high price of $75.00.
|
| |
| Realized $16,100 |
