19114

1831 1/2 C C-1, B-1, R.6 XF45 Uncertified. Die State 1 1831[1/2 C] Original C-1 or EO-5, B-1, R.6. D

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1831 1/2 C C-1, B-1, R.6 XF45 Uncertified. Die State 1 1831[1/2 C] Original C-1 or EO-5, B-1, R.6. D
<B>1831<1/2 C> Original C-1 or EO-5, B-1, R.6. Die State 1. PR58 NGC. XF45 EAC.</B></I> Cataloged as C-1 if it is a business strike, or EO-1 if it is a proof (see the next lot for more details regarding this notation). Small date, large stars; High leaf below right side of S. Only one die state is recorded for the 1831 Original Half Cents. In all states of preservation, and no matter how they were struck, there are slightly fewer than 30 examples known today. When Bowers and Merena sold this coin as part of the Norweb Collection in 1987, it was offered as an important business strike example. Now, NGC has certified it as a Proof. Both business strike (if they exist) and proof 1831 Half Cents are from a single die pair, the obverse die later used for the 1831 Restrike Half Cents, and the reverse used in 1832 for Cohen-1 of that year.<BR> There has been an ongoing debate regarding the status of 1831 Original Half Cents. Are they all business strikes, all Proofs, or are there some of each? This debate took place in the pages of <I>Penny Wise,</B></I> especially in 1996 and 1997. It makes for interesting reading. Ron Manley presented his opinion that they are all Proofs, and he was supported by Frank Wilkinson. Alternatively, Rick Coleman suggested that there are both proofs and business strikes. For the interested reader, we recommend reviewing these articles with an open mind, and then coming to your own conclusion. This cataloger is still considering both sides of the debate, having yet to reach a conclusion.<BR> Sharply struck with olive-brown surfaces accented by lilac, deeply faded from original mint color. The fields are mildly reflective, not deeply so as usual for Proofs. A tiny area of verdigris or corrosion is seen on the obverse, and on the reverse is a small rim bruise over M of AMERICA.<BR><I>Ex: King Farouk; Norweb Collection (Bowers and Merena, 10/1987), lot 79.</B></I> Envelope Included.