| Description |
1795 50C Two Leaves MS63 NGC. O-108a, R.4. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. Brilliant satin luster, uncommon to the Flowing Hair half dollars, shines through a pewter-gray patina and the delicate gold and iridescent toning of this Select Mint State specimen. This is the finest known survivor of the 1795 O-108 die pairing. The reverse of this example appears as Reverse F on the Beistle plate. Trivial surface marks are scattered over both sides of this piece, preventing an even higher certified grade. A slightly deficient strike is evident at the usual locations, at the back of Liberty's head and on the eagle's head and breast. However, the centering is excellent with complete borders on both sides. We believe that this example from the Eric P. Newman collection is the only Mint State 1795 O-108 half dollar that exists today. The obverse has raised die defect lines at the first star. Their origin is not understood, but they serve as an instant identifying feature for the die variety. This example shows the usual horizontal die crack from the border through star 15 to the bust. Another crack, unlisted in the Overton reference, connects the base of 17. A further delicate die crack appears on Liberty's profile, across the chin to her mouth, extending a short distance into the field between her lips. We have never seen that crack nor any description of it. The reverse has a rim break or developing rim cud below the right ribbon that is seen on all known examples. A crack joins the tops of AME, as described in Overton for the late die state. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $75.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $82,250.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com. |
