Lot 2469
1795/1795 O-112. NGC graded AU-58. Pop 3; none finer at NGC. Criss-crossing adjustment marks on the obverse as done by the mint. A very clear and distinct repunched date. A hint of light gold toning. This well struck example of the Flowing Hair type is ideal for a collector who wants a higher grade specimen than usually seen. Only a relative handful of AU quality halves of this type are known.
There wre 299,680 halves struck in 1795 from thirty-two separate die marriages. O-112 has 17 berries in the wreath aligned 9-8, two under each wing, with a leaf below the center of F. It is marginally scarcer than average (Rarity-4) and has a Condition Census of 65-45-25-20-20 in the Parsley-Overton reference.
Some softness of highpoint detail is evident on the uppermost hair curls of Liberty, above the forehead. Concurrently, on the reverse the eagle's feet and claws are indistinct, perhaps because metal failed to flow into the deepest recesses of the die. The adjustment marks were a common practice in the early Mint and a quick method for reducing the weight of planchets that were over the legal limits prior to striking. A bit of softness is also noted on the upper curve of the eagle's wings. Otherwise, the striking details are refreshingly detailed with fine design features noted on the lower portion of Liberty's hair as well as the eagle's tail and the interior of the wings. Uneven rim dentils as commonly found on early bust coins.
Estimated Value $17,500 - 20,000.
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| Realized $16,100 |
