178

1853 F.D. octagonal Fifty Cents, BG-301, Eagle Reverse.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
1853 F.D. octagonal Fifty Cents, BG-301, Eagle Reverse.
Preview
Holabird-Kagin Americana Office
3555 Airway Drive Suite#309
Reno, NV 89511
Thursday April 11, 10am-6pm
* Preview also available by appointment

Live Auction
Friday & Saturday
April 12-13, 2012
9am PDT starting time, both days

Location
Atlantis Casino & Resort
Grand Ballroom #4
3800 S. Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89502

Lot Pick Up
Holabird-Kagin Americana Office
3555 Airway Drive Suite #309
Reno, NV 89511
Sunday April 14th, 10am-1pm

1853 Proudly signed by Frontier, Deviercy Co., this coin has a large head with F.D. below and 13 stars around; the reverse presents an eagle with shield and scroll, copying the design on the famous Humbert $50 slugs, with the inscription CALIFORNIA GOLD/ FIFTY 1853. CENTS. The most desirable California gold half dollar, and a key to any type set. Very Rare or Extremely Rare; just 15 survivors listed in Breen-Gillio, including some duplication, none noted since. Looks to be choice uncirculated, and so graded by Superior MS63--called "Finest Known" by them--and Jack Totheroh; mostly Prooflike, mirror fields, with splashes of coppery and bluish toning, particularly at lower reverse. PCGS Genuine (Cleaning -- AU Details). Ex Superior Lee and Shaffer Collections 9/25/1988, Lot 550, ex "An Important Collection of California Fractional Gold." Totheroh's notes indicate only one uncirculated specimen (his, showing no wear), 3 damaged, and 2 AU coins. This coin is so rare, that one of the damaged pieces brought AU money 30 years ago. There are only 3 public sales records of recent, and 5 in the PCGS Population Report. Totheroh's notes reflect less than 9 known. Serial# 26703310 Totheroh Collection HKA#63520