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

2876

1839-O 50C MS65 PCGS

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:30,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1839-O 50C MS65 PCGS
<B>1839-O 50C MS65 PCGS.</B></I> JR-1, Doubled Mintmark. A middle die state of this variety, with numerous die cracks observed on both the obverse and reverse. In the latest known die state, JR-1g, the dies deteriorate even further and begin to sink, as observed by Jules Reiver. This is the first regular issue half dollar struck in New Orleans, and the only collectible date of the Capped Bust design from this mint. The 1838-O issue has the distinction of being the true first issue, but less than 20 examples of that date are known. Like the Classic Head gold coins and the 1839-C and D half eagles, the mintmark is located above the date on the obverse.<BR> The New Orleans Mint was authorized by Congress in 1835, in the same legislation that also authorized the branch Mints at Charlotte and Dahlonega. All three facilities were designed by William Strickland and had a similar appearance. Earlier, Strickland had designed the second Philadelphia Mint. In 1839 at the New Orleans Mint, Joseph Kennedy was beginning his service as the second mint superintendent and John Leonard Riddell was beginning his service as the melter and refiner. Although coinage operations began in March 1838, the building was not completely finished until 1839.<BR> The mintage of half dollars in 1839 totaled 178,976 coins, utilizing three obverse and five reverse dies. Today, only three die varieties are known. This example, a magnificent Gem, shows numerous obverse and reverse die cracks. The design elements are nicely defined, with only the tip of the drapery and a few stars showing weakness. Both sides are highly lustrous with excellent aesthetic appeal. Satiny surfaces are graced by light gold and iridescent toning. Population: 3 in 65, 4 finer (11/07).<BR><I>From The Madison Collection.</B></I><BR><BR><B>Coin Engraver:</B> Christian Gobrecht<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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