1888

1822 50C MS64 NGC. O-106a, R.3. This scarce die variet

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:950.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1822 50C MS64 NGC. O-106a, R.3. This scarce die variet
<B>1822<50C> MS64 NGC.</B></I> O-106a, R.3. This scarce die variety has the 18 of the date located higher than the 22, with the last 2 being heavier and bolder than the first 2. The centering dot on the reverse can be seen on the fourth crossbar, a diagnostic noted in the Overton book. What sets the O-106a apart from O-106 are die cracks across much of the obverse die, clearly seen on this high grade specimen. The die crack begins at the rim between the last 2 in the date and star 13 and extends to the left through the date under the tip of the bust of Liberty. The crack is also strongly evident through obverse stars 1-6. Noted Capped Bust half dollar specialist and Bust Half Nut Club member Steve Herrman confirmed this specimen has all the diagnostics of Overton-106a. The Spring 2006 edition of Herrman's <I>Auction & Mail Bid Prices Realized for Bust Half Dollars 1799-1839</B></I> (AMBPR) is a listing of over 10,000 auction appearances and records for early half dollars. It lists only three high grade examples of Overton-106a, two in MS63 grade on one in MS62. Thus, this specimen should be included in the Condition Census for O-106a, and by the grade on the holder it could be one of the finest examples known for the variety. It should be noted that the rarity rating for this die variety is called R.3 by the Bust Half Nut Club and Steve Herrman, but is called R.4 in the fourth edition of Donald L. Parsley's <I>United States Early Half Dollar Die Varieties 1794-1836.</B></I> This is a well struck and brightly lustrous specimen, with shades of light gold and blue toning forming at the rims and on the devices. A few minor contact marks are noted under a glass.