Description |
1847/1-46 50C MS62 NGC. WB-102. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. This is a rare variety with no more than 25-30 pieces known in all grades; NGC has certified four, with two graded MS62 that are tied for the finest by NGC. Examples of this variety are seldom offered at public auction. The finest known is a so-called "proof" with an extensive pedigree including Dupont, Reed Hawn, Yale Clarke, Queller, and Byers. The cataloger has seen that piece and, this coin is aesthetically finer. This variety can be quickly identified by a strong 1847 date with remnants of the bottom digits of weakly punched 1 46 low in the field barely above the dentils. Early die state examples, such as this lovely Mint State piece from the Eric P. Newman Collection, show the base of a 1 below the left bottom of that digit, the base of a 4 about midway between the bottoms of the 8 and 4, and the bottom curve of a 6 below the right bottom of the 4. The obverse is also a doubled die with the doubling most obvious on the vertical shield stripes and the right shield border. Later die states exist with the underlying digits lapped off the die, and those less desirable pieces are identified by the doubled die features. It is the early die state pieces such as this example that are highly prized by collectors. This Mint State half dollar has very attractive steel-gray, blue, and amber toning over lustrous fields. There are a number of field abrasions but none serious. The reverse is extensively cracked, as are all, through the legend and denomination, most notably from U(NITED) to the rim by the left wing and another to the rim below the denomination. This is an opportunity to own a classic rarity, in an early die state, with the Newman pedigree; an opportunity that comes only once in a lifetime. 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 @ $25.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $38,187.50 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com. |