Lot 1871
1918 Illinois Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-67. It's all about the obverse toning on this gorgeous gem. The colors include gold, rose, and iridescent blue. The portrait is from the beardless (pre–60) bust of Lincoln; a defiant eagle was picked to adorn the reverse on this well-made Commemorative; it may have been copied, loosely, from Morgan's pattern dollar design of 1882, found with the "Second Schoolgirl" or "Shield Earring" head. However, the motto STATE SOVEREIGNTY NATIONAL UNION is that of Illinois; the eagle turns away from the rising sun, i.e., toward the west, as did the people who migrated there from the East Coast in search of vast tracts of farmland. "Note also that the olive branch for peace is prominent," observes Walter Breen, "but that there are no arrows for war: their presence on a coin designed during the concluding months of World War I might have been considered just a bit raw." Pop 7; 7 finer, 2 in 67+ Star, 3 in 68, 2 in 68 Star. Estimated Value $4,000-UP
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| Realized $4,600 |
