10211

1855-O 50C Arrows MS66 NGC. Ex: Pittman. Second a

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1,100.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1855-O 50C Arrows MS66 NGC. Ex: Pittman. Second a
<B>1855-O<50C> Arrows MS66 NGC.</B></I> Ex: Pittman. Second and final year of the arrows at date design motif that signified a weight change in half dollars from 206.25 grains to 192 grains. The 1855-O had a substantial mintage of 3.68 million pieces, and for a New Orleans issue there were a surprising number of Mint State coins that were set aside, with some 200 pieces probably extant today in the various grades of Uncirculated. This spectacular coin is among the finest known of this important issue. Only four other pieces have been so graded by NGC with none finer, and PCGS has certified four in MS66 with two finer (6/05). While not immediately apparent because of the multiple layers of original toning present, the fields display a lovely prooflike gleam that brightens and enlivens the overall appearance of the coin. The only mark of any note is located along the highpoint of Liberty's leg, but it was long ago toned over and is virtually invisible now.<BR> This is an earlier striking from this die pairing as evidenced by the outline around the stars, which is generally attributed to James Longacre. What appears to have happened is when the stars were impressed into the master die they were struck with such force that the base of the punch transferred to the die, giving the stars a "halo" effect. Another die irregularity that has been noted on this coin since it was first sold at public auction in 1946 is the doubling on the date, most especially on the second 5 at the lower right. When cataloged in the Barney Bluestone sale in 1946, this piece was described as a "Beautiful semi-proof," and it was noted that the "Lower part of 55 (is) reengraved." An uncommon Arrows half to locate in this condition and with toning as unquestionably original as seen here.<BR><I>Ex: Barney Bluestone's 94th Sale (9/21/46), lot 1665, for $6.75; to John H. Pittman; Pittman II (Akers, 5/98), lot 1550, where it realized $7,150, more than a hundred times Pittman's original purchase price.</B></I>