Heritage World Coin Auctions
CSNS Signature US Coin Sale 1254 26-28 Apr 2017
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Bust Half Dollars
1825 50C O-102, R.1, MS65 NGC. Early die state (we suggest O-102'). The 1825 O-102 is readily available, although in our experience it is less frequently seen than two or three other 1825 varieties. Clearly, it is much, much scarcer in the early die state represented by this Gem example. Three key identifiers determine the early die state. The stars are not drawn to the edge -- rather, they are sharp and positioned away from the dentils; parallel die lines around the bust point are crisp and numerous on both sides of the bust tip; and the 8 in the date is sharply recut to resemble a smaller upper loop over the original 8. Stephen Herrman viewed images of the present coin, and replied:
"I can confirm that you definitely have a very early die state specimen of 1825 O.102. I have seen remnants of parallel die lines below the bust on this die marriage before, but they were not nearly as well defined and crisp. These parallel die lines disappear rather quickly ... it is clear that the 8 was repunched or more likely partially re-engraved. I had not noticed this previously.:"
Indeed, a search of our archives has not revealed a single example that has all of the characteristics of the early strike demonstrated by this splendid Gem. The fields are reflective and the motifs sharply struck. Peach-gold toning at the margins cedes to blue and silver-lilac at the centers. The Herrman Spring, 2017 Census for O-102 suggests that this coin is tied for second-finest for the variety (regardless of die state).
HID02901242017
1825 50C O-102, R.1, MS65 NGC. Early die state (we suggest O-102'). The 1825 O-102 is readily available, although in our experience it is less frequently seen than two or three other 1825 varieties. Clearly, it is much, much scarcer in the early die state represented by this Gem example. Three key identifiers determine the early die state. The stars are not drawn to the edge -- rather, they are sharp and positioned away from the dentils; parallel die lines around the bust point are crisp and numerous on both sides of the bust tip; and the 8 in the date is sharply recut to resemble a smaller upper loop over the original 8. Stephen Herrman viewed images of the present coin, and replied:
"I can confirm that you definitely have a very early die state specimen of 1825 O.102. I have seen remnants of parallel die lines below the bust on this die marriage before, but they were not nearly as well defined and crisp. These parallel die lines disappear rather quickly ... it is clear that the 8 was repunched or more likely partially re-engraved. I had not noticed this previously.:"
Indeed, a search of our archives has not revealed a single example that has all of the characteristics of the early strike demonstrated by this splendid Gem. The fields are reflective and the motifs sharply struck. Peach-gold toning at the margins cedes to blue and silver-lilac at the centers. The Herrman Spring, 2017 Census for O-102 suggests that this coin is tied for second-finest for the variety (regardless of die state).
HID02901242017