Lot 887
1805 Draped Bust Half Dollar. Normal date. EF-45. Here is a fascinating coin which exemplifies the joy of carefully sifting through an old time collection. This particular piece represented the "small 5" variety in Dr. Benson's collection. When the coin was turned over, an obvious rim break was noted over AM to the left serif of the E in AMERICA. This rim break has not been reported in the Overton/Parsley reference or elsewhere so far as we know. The die crack continues from the rim above the first A in AMERICA to the top of the C, and there is die rust around the IC and this section of the die appears ready to fall out too. Multiple and heavy clash marks are noted on the obverse. Sharply struck by the dies, save for the dentils above stars nine and ten, which are opposite the full rim cud on the reverse. As to the coin itself, it was cleaned long ago and has retoned with dark gold around the rims, but still bright at the centers. Examination will note a planchet lamination or some sort of surface damage located around the lowest curl on Liberty, where the planchet surface is sunken, porous and lightly scratched by some post minting probing or similar monkey business. Nevertheless, these faults are minor when one considers the rarity and condition of this coin. A foremost opportunity for the bust half specialist to buy what may be the latest die state known of this variety.
Estimated Value $750-UP.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 3, 1944 for $3.00 as "Unc."
|
| |
| Realized $2,300 |
