4212

1896-O 50C MS66 PCGS. A truly exceptional specimen and 1896-O 50C MS66 PCGS.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1896-O 50C MS66 PCGS. A truly exceptional specimen and 1896-O 50C MS66 PCGS.
1896-O 50C MS66 PCGS. A truly exceptional specimen and <B>1896-O 50C MS66 PCGS.</B></I> A truly exceptional specimen and one of the very finest to survive of this elusive date and mint. The surfaces are quite attractive, with strong luster and no distracting nicks or marks. There are precious few examples of this date which can favorably compare with this splendid specimen. Mostly white in color with a blush of russet-gold near the periphery. Frosty luster abounds in the fields, and the faint toning does not deter the radiant glow. For an 1896-O, this coin is well struck, on the obverse a couple of stars don't quite show their full radial lines, and on the reverse there is slight weakness on the right wing near the shield and on the right talon of the eagle. These areas are always seen with some degree of softness in the strike for this date and mint. Apparently an early striking as no die cracks or clashing are seen, similar to the Eliasberg coin. When it comes to rarity, this date has long been known to be one of the most difficult to locate in true Gem condition. David Lawrence rates this issue second only to the 1904-S in the series in overall Mint State rarity. A review of the great auction sales of the past decades will turn up few that can compare to the present coin. When David Akers last cataloged the present coin he noted that it was surpassed only by the Eliasberg specimen and that only three or four others might be its equal. Akers also noted that the present specimen had been held in a private collection for over 50 years before Dr. Price was able to purchase it. The level of rarity has been borne out by the NGC and PCGS population reports which reflect a mere two coins graded this high, with a single specimen graded higher of this date and mint. Further review of the population reports confirms that this date is one of the most elusive in Gem condition. Without a doubt, this is one of the most significant coins in this extensive and very specialized Gem collection, and will likely disappear off the market into another highly advanced collection.<BR><I>Ex: Dr. Thaine B. Price Collection (David Akers, 5/98), lot 137.</B></I> <BR><BR><B>Important notice:</B> Heritage usually auctions material at the rate of 200-250 lots per hour. On some occasions eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. We recommend placing a realistic absentee bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also reopen a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because we missed an audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that Heritage may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above or any other reasonable circumstances. Since eBay bids are not shown to us until we open the lot on the floor, we treat those bids just like floor bids. In most cases the floor responds before the eBay bid is presented to us, due to Internet lag time, so for consistency we have made it a policy that floor bids are always considered first over tie eBay live bids. Also please note that all Heritage lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid. This lot is being auctioned in conjunction with a live floor auction by Heritage Galleries & Auctioneers. All final auction and invoice information will be supplied by Heritage Galleries & Auctioneers, and all other information should be considered preliminary. Lot:4212