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

2867

1815/2 50C MS64 NGC

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:25,102.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1815/2 50C MS64 NGC
<B>1815/2 50C MS64 NGC.</B></I> O-101a, R.2. A fantastic example of this rarity that is one of the top dozen known, and tied with several at this grade level. The toning adds greatly to the allure, with rich copper-gold over lustrous surfaces framed by deep aqua-blue around the stars and legend. Both dies show minor clash marks, as seen on a substantial number of those coined in 1815. Mintage plunged to 47,150 pieces during 1815, perhaps because of the just-ended War of 1812 (which lasted until 1814), or perhaps little silver was sent to the Mint in 1815 for coinage. Disruptions continued in January 1816, when a disastrous fire struck the Philadelphia Mint outbuildings that housed the rolling equipment used for silver and gold coinage, and production all but halted for gold and silver until the equipment was repaired in late 1817. The disruptions of the War of 1812 brought coinage production virtually to a halt in 1815. No half cents, large cents, half dimes, dimes, dollars, quarter eagles or eagles were produced, just a handful of quarters and half dollars and a token amount of half eagles were coined. Most of the 1815 coinage produced was distributed through the Planter's Bank of New Orleans. Even the Economite Hoard, which contained 111,356 Bust half dollars, had a scant 100 specimens dated 1815. Most of the coins from that famous hoard were badly scrubbed, and today would grade XF to AU. How this particular coin survived in such superlative condition is a mystery, but here it is in all its glory. NGC and PCGS have graded a combined nine pieces this high, with a mere four coins seen finer of this date (11/07).<BR><I>Ex: Bowers and Merena (1/03), lot 310.</B></I><BR><BR><B>Coin Engraver:</B> John Reich<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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