19109

1826 1/2 C C-2, B-2, R.3 VF20 Uncertified. Die State 4 1826[1/2 C] C-2, B-2, High R.3. Die State 4--

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1826 1/2 C C-2, B-2, R.3 VF20 Uncertified. Die State 4 1826[1/2 C] C-2, B-2, High R.3. Die State 4--
<B>1826<1/2 C> C-2, B-2, High R.3. Die State 4--Environmental Damage--NCS. AU Details. VF20 EAC.</B></I> 6 over horizontal 6; High leaf below center of S. This is the extremely rare "two-star break" die state, and it is every bit as important as the 1811 two-star die state. Currently, there are seven examples known, and nearly all seem to be in approximately the same grade. Reading over the die state descriptions in Walter Breen's <I>Half Cent Encyclopedia</B></I> leaves the reader with the impression that the remnants of the horizontal 6 fade with die usage and wear. As the blundered date is equally visible here, the only factors eliminating the viewing of the blundered date are wear and surface quality.<BR> This die state provides somewhat of a mystery, mentioned only in the Cohen Collection sale, and nowhere else to this cataloger's knowledge. Why did this rather large obverse rim break appear almost out of nowhere? There are not any examples of this variety known with any type of die crack in this area before the rim break appeared. In other words, this obverse die immediately progressed from perfect without cracks, to broken with a large cud. Superior's cataloger for the Cohen sale suggested that "perhaps some dolt dropped the obverse die after attempting yet another regrinding, or more likely, the obverse just gave way, breaking apart under the repeated striking pressures." We tend to think that the first suggestion is not all that likely, and that the second hypothesis is more logical.<BR> This example has pleasing turquoise and brown color on the obverse and deeper olive-brown on the reverse. Although the surfaces are finely corroded, there are no serious defects to mention. This is an extremely important opportunity that will certainly provide for plenty of competition at the Reiver event.<BR><I>Ex: EAC Sale (3/1987), lot 70; Jim McGuigan (4/17/1987)</B></I> Envelope Included.