Heritage World Coin Auctions
Long Beach Signature US Coin Sale 1252 16-17 Feb 2017
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Seated Half Dollars
1861-O 50C Speared Olive, WB-104, Die Pair 15, R.2, MS63 PCGS. The reverse of this Select Uncirculated half dollar -- struck under Confederate authority at the New Orleans Mint -- is highly sought by specialists for the Speared Olive Bud variety, where two parallel die lines pierce the uppermost olive bud. The obverse die is of special interest, too, since it is the only 1861 half dollar obverse employed by all three authorities as the mint changed hands, first under U.S. (Union) control, then by the State of Louisiana, and finally for the Confederacy. This example is displays rich tones of olive-gold and blue, with a sharp strike and nearly mark-free surfaces that glow with satin luster. We are aware of only one finer example of the popular Speared Bud Confederate die marriage.
1861-O 50C Speared Olive, WB-104, Die Pair 15, R.2, MS63 PCGS. The reverse of this Select Uncirculated half dollar -- struck under Confederate authority at the New Orleans Mint -- is highly sought by specialists for the Speared Olive Bud variety, where two parallel die lines pierce the uppermost olive bud. The obverse die is of special interest, too, since it is the only 1861 half dollar obverse employed by all three authorities as the mint changed hands, first under U.S. (Union) control, then by the State of Louisiana, and finally for the Confederacy. This example is displays rich tones of olive-gold and blue, with a sharp strike and nearly mark-free surfaces that glow with satin luster. We are aware of only one finer example of the popular Speared Bud Confederate die marriage.