Heritage World Coin Auctions
Long Beach Signature US Coin Sale 1256 8-9 Jun 2017
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Seated Half Dollars
1842 50C Small Date, Large Letters, WB-101, Die Pair 6, R.3, MS65 NGC. Reverse of 1842. Extremely rare in Gem condition, this is the first MS65 example we have ever offered in one of our auctions. Not that we're alone -- just two uncertified MS65 coins have been seen in any auction, according to our records, since 1973. Whether those coins were truly MS65 is a matter of conjecture. The combined grading services have tallied just three examples in MS65 (including one in MS65+ PCGS) but no pieces numerically finer (5/17).
The current example is a lovely, multicolored Gem with a bold strike and mark-free surfaces. Soft luster resides beneath the variegated toning. A diagnostic network of reverse die cracks confirms the die marriage. The rarity of this issue is underrated and underappreciated -- perhaps overshadowed by the super-rare 1842 Small Date, Small Letters (Reverse of 1839) with just four pieces known in all grades. NGC Census (all Large Letters reverse varieties): 1 in 65, 0 finer (5/17).
Ex: Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2014), lot 5600, which realized $21,150.00.
HID02901242017
1842 50C Small Date, Large Letters, WB-101, Die Pair 6, R.3, MS65 NGC. Reverse of 1842. Extremely rare in Gem condition, this is the first MS65 example we have ever offered in one of our auctions. Not that we're alone -- just two uncertified MS65 coins have been seen in any auction, according to our records, since 1973. Whether those coins were truly MS65 is a matter of conjecture. The combined grading services have tallied just three examples in MS65 (including one in MS65+ PCGS) but no pieces numerically finer (5/17).
The current example is a lovely, multicolored Gem with a bold strike and mark-free surfaces. Soft luster resides beneath the variegated toning. A diagnostic network of reverse die cracks confirms the die marriage. The rarity of this issue is underrated and underappreciated -- perhaps overshadowed by the super-rare 1842 Small Date, Small Letters (Reverse of 1839) with just four pieces known in all grades. NGC Census (all Large Letters reverse varieties): 1 in 65, 0 finer (5/17).
Ex: Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2014), lot 5600, which realized $21,150.00.
HID02901242017