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1837 50C MS67 PCGS. JR-6. Die State b. A spidery die c

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1837 50C MS67 PCGS. JR-6. Die State b. A spidery die c
<B>1837<50C> MS67 PCGS.</B></I> JR-6. Die State b. A spidery die crack extends from the rim through stars 4, 5, and 6, through the cap to stars 8 and 9, and another crack encircles the reverse periphery. According to Jules Reiver (1988), this is a very scarce variety. In the introduction to his work "Variety Identification Manual for United States Reeded Edge Half Dollars 1836-1839," Reiver opens with the following comments: "The period from 1836 to 1839 was one of tremendous change in the production of coins in the United States. Dr. Robert Maskell Patterson was appointed by President Andrew Jackson to the post of Director of the Mint in 1835. The first steam press was put into operation in 1836, and brought on a revolution in the coining process. ... In 1836, Christian Gobrecht was appointed assistant to William Kneass, the Engraver. ... Kneass died in 1840, and Gobrecht was appointed to fill the vacancy. He continued until his death in 1844. Gobrecht was the engraver of the Reeded Edge Bust half dollars."<BR> The 1837 is one of only two issues of Christian Gobrecht's Reeded Edge, 50 CENTS Reverse half dollar. The scarcity of the low mintage (1,200 pieces) 1836, which is technically a pattern issue, steers most type collectors in the direction of the 1837. This piece has exceptionally sharp central striking details, with completely defined hair curls, and each line on the eagle's shield is individuated. However, the peripheral design elements (excluding the date) are somewhat softly struck. Dynamic coruscating mint luster fully illuminates the gorgeous, variegated sea-green, yellow-gold, purple-violet and cobalt-blue toning, and no distracting abrasions exist on either side of the coin, while wispy die clash marks reside in the obverse fields.<BR> This is a truly wonderful coin, which must be seen to be fully appreciated. In addition to being the most beautiful Reeded