LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 Jan. FUN Signature Coin Auction #454  / 

2831

1795 50C 2 Leaves Fine 15 PCGS

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:11,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1795 50C 2 Leaves Fine 15 PCGS
<B>1795 50C 2 Leaves Fine 15 PCGS.</B></I> O-101, R.7. This obverse, with its lowest curl equally spaced between the four star points on stars 1 and 2, was paired with three reverse dies. However, this reverse was used only once and is identifiable from all other 1795 reverses by the unique 10-9 star arrangement.<BR> Although there are no die cracks recorded in Overton (third and fourth editions) for the O-101 variety, this piece has an obvious die crack from the border to the bust, between the digit 5 and star 15. Another faint crack joins stars 3 through 7 and an additional crack runs from the border to the hair through the E of LIBERTY. A faint crack can also be seen diagonally up to the left through the digit 1 to the lower hair curl, and a further crack is barely discernable between stars 9 and 10. The obverse state is actually similar to the latest die state described by Overton for O-103, leading to the conclusion that this is a later use of the obverse die.<BR> This obverse die was used with five different reverse dies. Although only the examination of a large sampling of survivors will permit accurate placement of these varieties in an emission sequence, it appears that the proper sequence is O-102, 103, 101, 106, and 107. Whether by chance or by study, this is the exact sequence presented by M.L. Beistle 80 years ago!<BR> The surfaces are light gray and tan over each side with darker toning around the peripheral devices. Evenly worn over the design motifs, the coin is well-balanced in appearance from one side to the other. There are no obvious abrasions on either side, just a few small marks are present that are normally associated with a coin that has seen considerable circulation.<BR> Stephen Herrman states only seven examples are known of the O-101. The only three coins listed in his auction survey of early halves are graded 40/35, 20/20, and 08/08. To further underscore its absolute rarity, Jules Reiver lacked this variety in his nearly complete die variety set of early U.S. coinage. This example appears to be third finest of the seven known examples but it may actually rank as second best. Just three pieces are listed in Donald Parsley's Census, graded 30, 25, and 20. Despite the lower PCGS grade, this piece is apparently the 25 coin in that roster.<BR> The reverse is rotated about 30 degrees counterclockwise. It would be interesting to learn about die rotation on the other six known examples.<BR> Haseltine-21; Beistle 1-C; Overton-1; Hilt 20-R; PCGS# 6052, 39214; Encyclopedia-4560.<BR><I>Ex: Gerald Shertz; Fritz (5/2002).<BR>From The Westmoreland County Collection of Early Bust Halves, 1794-1807.</B></I><BR><BR><B>Coin Engraver:</B> Robert Scot<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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