NOT SOLD (BIDDING OVER)
0.00USD+ applicable fees & taxes.
This item WAS NOT SOLD. Auction date was 2006 Feb 07 @ 18:00UTC-8 : PST/AKDT
An utterly incredible 1808 half eagle, an example of this date one can only dream exists until one actually turns us. Sharply impressed by the dies with every nuance of the design elements crisp and full it has great "depth" in the detail, or if you prefer the opposite analogy, sheer mountain ridges between the hair curls and stripes in the shield. The color ranges from bright orange-gold to the familiar yellowish-green hues often seen on these early classic head pieces. As to the luster, it is full and complete, with a radiant glow that entices the eye. Any further words would be overkill. The photographs, for those who haven't time or the inclination to view this marvel in person, shows that it has none of the usual trivial contact marks, nothing worthy of note through and through. Easily identifiable as the only MS66 reported - and likely to ever be reported!
The NGC online census report notes that only 1 has been so graded, with the next bunching of coins two full points lower at 64 grade, placing this in the illustrious position of being the Finest Certified.
As a side note, and to pique the interest of true collectors who find the history of coin manufacturing almost as interesting as owning the coins themselves: The final star (just right of the date) has the familiar notch on the arm of the outer point. This notch is agreed by most to be the "signature" if you will of John Reich, the coin's designer. On all dies from 1807 to 1815 in the half eagle series (the years Reich worked for the mint) this small notch is noted in the same location on the last star. Of lesser interest, but still a curiosity is the small mark located at the base of each T on the reverse, perhaps the T punch was damaged, and this strange mark is present on both half eagles and quarters (apparently the Mint used the same letter punches on each) of the period.
Auction Location:
9478 W. Olympic Blvd, Beverly Hills, California, United States
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| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
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Infinite |
20% |
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