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

2749

1798/97 10C 13 Stars on Reverse AU58 PCGS

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:43,750.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1798/97 10C 13 Stars on Reverse AU58 PCGS
<B>1798/97 10C 13 Stars on Reverse AU58 PCGS.</B></I> JR-2, R.6. Small 8 Over Large 7; 13 Stars Reverse. <B>The John Reich Plate Coin and specifically identified by the authors as the finest example they had seen, graded MS63.</B></I> We feel that it probably ranks as the second or third finest known example of the variety, and it is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing of any example that survives today. <BR> This piece has an important association to the John Reich dime book, <I>Early United States Dimes 1796-1837</B></I>. Two of the five authors, Allen Lovejoy and Russell Logan, included the coin as the primary example of the JR-2 variety in their collections. Lovejoy acquired the coin directly from the Bareford Sale in 1981, and as the authors write, the day after the sale was held, groundwork for the JR dime book began: "A most memorable event for the authors occurred on October 22, 1981, when they met in New York City for the acclaimed Harold L. Bareford Sale, conducted by Stack's. The authors sat in adjacent seats in the same row throughout the auction and, on the following day, laid the groundwork for preparation of this book."<BR> It is an impressive example of the rare JR-2 overdate with virtually full luster beneath delicate rose and gold toning. The strike is nicely centered on the flan, showing complete borders and strong peripheral detail. A little weakness of the central strike may explain the grade that PCGS assigned, yet it is the best strike we have seen on any example of the die marriage. In our opinion, the coin is technically full Mint State, with a trace of friction resulting in the appearance of light wear. The obverse has a thin diagonal gunmetal-blue toning line from the chin down to the 8, an excellent pedigree marker. Both sides are remarkably free of abrasions, with no evidence of adjustment marks that are so prevalent on the early silver issues. It is as nearly perfect for the grade as could be possible.<BR> The fields on both sides show clash marks, particularly heavy on the obverse and faint on the reverse. Some absence of detail, especially among the lower curls and at the top of the head, suggests that the obverse die had been lapped or resurfaced prior to production of this coin. Raised die lines at Liberty's chin are likely the result of the die lapping, as they do not appear on the JR-1 variety that was the earlier use of the obverse.<BR><I>Ex: James Kelly, May 15, 1947, privately; Harold Bareford (Stack's, 10/1981), lot 139; Allen F. Lovejoy (Stack's (10/1990), lot 11; Russell J. Logan (Bowers and Merena, 11/2002), lot 2002; current consigner.</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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