Lot 96
1811 Mickley Restrike Rarity-7. PCGS graded MS-64 Brown. Frosty uniform light to medium brown. A tiny pinscratch on the bottom of star 2 and a small, shallow contact mark under the right side of the E in CENT are the only signs of contact, and both are wholly insignificant. The best identifying mark is a small spot of very fine carbon over the left side of the F in HALF. Both sides show the usual collection of fine die rust (microscopic lumps on the coin's surface) from the mint dies that had been discarded and became rusted before being rescued for this final use. These restrikes were made sometime prior to 1859 by Joseph Mickley using scrap dies he obtained from the mint or some intermediary. The obverse die is the normal 1811 C-2 die and the reverse is from the 1802/0 C-2 marriage. Both dies were heavily rusted when acquired and were lapped to reduce the roughness prior to striking these "restrikes." The restrikes are sometimes called Proof strikes, but the condition of the dies used and the lack of reflectivity in the fields makes such a judgment highly questionable. Regardless, these are extremely rare and are highly coveted additions to any advanced collection of half cents. The PCGS slab grade of Mint State-64 Brown is joined by a CAC certification sticker. EAC grade Mint State-60+.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000.
Ex Heritage Auction #1104:54-Tony Terranova 5/08.
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| Realized $23,000 |
