Heritage World Coin Auctions
ANA Signature US Coin Sale 1258 2-6 Aug 2017
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Early Half Dollars
1794 50C O-101a, T-7, High R.3, XF45 NGC. Tompkins Die State 1/5. The 1794 Flowing Hair half dollar needs no introduction as the first issue of this denomination in our nation's history. It is believed that two deliveries occurred -- one of 5,300 coins on December 1, 1794 and another of 18,164 coins on February 4, 1795. We cannot be sure that the coins delivered in 1795 were dated 1794. However, assuming a survival rate of 3% and the proposed number of 650 to 800 pieces extant, then the total mintage of 23,464 half dollars makes sense.
This is the most frequently encountered die pair and the only one where Uncirculated examples are known. The lowest curl pierces star 1, star 9 is far from the Y, and the leaf tip points to the O in OF. A die crack through the F in OF and the second S in STATES confirms the late state. Despite the relative availability of this die marriage and the number of high-grade survivors, there should be little doubt that this Choice XF representative is far better-preserved than average. Most examples are found in Good through Very Fine condition.
Each side exhibits a thin veil of golden-gray patina, and noticeable remaining luster within the protected regions of the design. The peripheral elements, including the denticles, stars, date, and mottos, are uniformly sharp. Liberty's hair curls show merging but are still visible. Only the eagle's breast feathers are indistinct. A couple of adjustment marks appear on the right (facing) wing, but post-Mint imperfections are minor.
From The Terry Brand Estate, Part III
HID02901242017
1794 50C O-101a, T-7, High R.3, XF45 NGC. Tompkins Die State 1/5. The 1794 Flowing Hair half dollar needs no introduction as the first issue of this denomination in our nation's history. It is believed that two deliveries occurred -- one of 5,300 coins on December 1, 1794 and another of 18,164 coins on February 4, 1795. We cannot be sure that the coins delivered in 1795 were dated 1794. However, assuming a survival rate of 3% and the proposed number of 650 to 800 pieces extant, then the total mintage of 23,464 half dollars makes sense.
This is the most frequently encountered die pair and the only one where Uncirculated examples are known. The lowest curl pierces star 1, star 9 is far from the Y, and the leaf tip points to the O in OF. A die crack through the F in OF and the second S in STATES confirms the late state. Despite the relative availability of this die marriage and the number of high-grade survivors, there should be little doubt that this Choice XF representative is far better-preserved than average. Most examples are found in Good through Very Fine condition.
Each side exhibits a thin veil of golden-gray patina, and noticeable remaining luster within the protected regions of the design. The peripheral elements, including the denticles, stars, date, and mottos, are uniformly sharp. Liberty's hair curls show merging but are still visible. Only the eagle's breast feathers are indistinct. A couple of adjustment marks appear on the right (facing) wing, but post-Mint imperfections are minor.
From The Terry Brand Estate, Part III
HID02901242017