Lot 3515
1864 Octagonal Half Dollar. Liberty Head. BG-917a, Off-Metal Strike in Silver, Rarity-10 (Unique). PCGS graded AU-58. One of the greatest rarities from the California Pioneer Fractional Gold series -- the one and only silver, off-metal striking of the BG-917 die combination. Accordingly, this is the plate coin for the new Breen-Gillio reference, where it is listed as "Only survivor: Joel Kaplan, ex Kagin's 2001, PCGS AU-58" along with the tantalizing notation "Trial piece?" Was this a trial piece or was it a moment of playfulness on the part of the minter, Robert Gray? It matters not, as there is no other.the value of this piece is in its extreme rarity. As far as Die States go, this is State I, with the bridge of the nose still intact. Missing from the fabulous Jay Roe collection, where it would undoubtedly would have been one of the stars of the sale. If you're serious about this series and have "post-Jay Roe sale depression", here's a coin that will get your juices flowing again! Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000
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| Realized $9,775 |
