7925

1917 50C --Presentation Piece--MS64 ANACS. R Althou

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:180.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1917 50C --Presentation Piece--MS64 ANACS. R Althou
<B>1917 50C --Presentation Piece--MS64 ANACS.</B></I><BR> Although they are not always recognized by the major grading services, certain denominations of coinage dated 1917 exist in Proof or Matte Proof format. In his <I>Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Proof Coins,</B></I> Walter Breen recorded the existence of a 1917 Proof Set, including the Cent through Half Dollar. That set was once owned by dealer Ira Reed in the 1930s, and was sold to a Philadelphia collector who ended his collecting career in the 1940s. Years later, Joel Rettew purchased the set in 1976, and the coins were then dispersed individually. In addition to those five coins, perhaps two or three other Matte Proof Nickels of 1917 are known, including one that this cataloger is personally acquainted with. There are also a few Brilliant Proof 1917 McKinley Gold Dollars known, according to Breen's commentary. Today, it is not known if this half dollar is the same one from the set mentioned above, or a different coin that was not known to Breen when his reference was published in 1977. Later, in his <I>Complete Encyclopedia,</B></I> Breen noted that "at least 3 satin-finish proofs" are known.<BR> Accompanying this coin are several documents that attest to the strong possibility that this is indeed a Proof striking. In addition, photos are included illustrating the obverse, the reverse, and the edge, the latter of importance as the coin itself is slabbed. Among the documentation are the following items:<BR> 1. A letter dated October 31, 1994 from Bill Fivaz to Michael Fahey. "While I've seen many early strike 1916 and 1917 Walkers, this, in my opinion, was different ... the texture was deeper than I've ever seen on an early piece, both in the field and on the design on both obverse and reverse, and the crispness of the design is incredible. It has all the characteristics of a Matte Proof."<BR> 2. A letter dated December 1, 1994 from Bruce Fox (author of <I>The Complete Guide to Walking Liberty Half Dollars,)</B></I> to Bill Fivaz summarizing his examination of this coin. "This piece is obviously very well struck. ... The reeding/rim was examined under a 30X stereoscope and compared to the other samples Mint State coins on hand. There is a distinct difference in crispness and sharpness making them appear extremely exact and distinct. ... This specimen exhibits all these characteristics indicative of an intentional effort to create a proof specimen. ... Another area that adds credence that this piece is in fact a proof is the double striking of the date. ... The sandblast proof generating process resulted in a granular surface somewhat soft in luster. In conclusion, I sincerely believe this is in fact a sandblast proof coin for the reasons stated herein."<BR> 3. A letter dated December 1, 1994 from Joel Rettew to Bill Fivaz concluding his belief that this is a 1917 Matte Proof half dollar. "It's very possible that it could be the same coin that David Hall and I sold in 1976." Joel's evaluation is especially important in light of his experience handling the 1917 Proof Set described above.<BR> 4. Replies from Bill Fivaz to Joel Rettew and Bruce Fox, both dated December 10, 1994. To Bruce Fox, Bill wrote: "Your comments are most comprehensive and convincing."<BR> 5. Cover letter from Bill Fivaz to Michael Fahey, dated January 10, 1995, transmitting the coin to ANACS for grading.<BR> 6. Letter dated April 15, 2003 from Bill Fivaz, confirming his re-examination of the 1917 half dollar. "The re-examination confirms my former opinion that the coin is either a Matte Proof or a Specimen Strike."<BR> The record speaks for itself regarding the opinions of three well-known and highly respected numismatists regarding the Proof status of this 1917 half dollar. When examining this coin, we strongly agree with its status as a special piece, indeed a Proof or Presentation Piece. Both sides have a rich gray and gold appearance with splashes of russet and iridescent toning, especially near the borders. The slightest friction is visible on the highest points, not a sign of wear but rather an indication of slight mis-handling. This is clearly a special coin as the following characteristics will attest: The strike is especially sharp and clear. Each and every star on the flag draped behind Liberty is especially bold and complete, including those stars partially hidden by folds in the cloth. The individual drapery lines are as full as we have seen on an early Walker. Those coins produced from 1916 through 1921 generally had weak drapery lines compared to later strikes-a hubbing difference between early and later Walkers. All of the fine details of Liberty's sandals, both right and left, are fully defined. The rims on both sides, also related to the strike, are complete, squared, and even around the entire circumference. A partial wire edge on each side attests to the exceptional pressure and careful striking necessary to produce a high quality coin. On the reverse, the details of the eagle are bold and crisp. Perhaps the most telling feature of the strike is the designer's monogram, which is sharper on this example than any other Walker we have seen. The surfaces are particularly intriguing, as they have a fine matte appearance, with a sandblast finish that tells of special production. The resultant luster is soft and satiny. Doubling of some detail, while not a specific diagnostic, does add to the attribution of this coin as a proof example, as Bruce Fox noted. A number of details are doubled, including the edge reeding, and especially the digit 7 in the date. It is almost certainly the case that this coin was struck more than once, in an effort to bring up the strong detail. Virtually without exception, this half dollar displays every characteristic expected of a Matte Proof. Lot:7925