Heritage World Coin Auctions
Dallas Signature US Coin Sale 1261 2-3 Nov 2017
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Early Half Dimes
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, Good 6 PCGS. CAC. The 1792 half dismes represent a major step forward in the history of American numismatics. And yet, the circumstances surrounding their production are somewhat unclear. Personal recollections and memoranda in place of official documentation make discerning truth from speculation a significant challenge. The recent publication of Birth of a Nation's Coinage by Smith, Orosz, and Augsburger has done much to separate fact from fiction as it pertains to the production of the 1792 coinage. Certain clarifications include:
Thomas Jefferson likely delivered Spanish colonial silver coins for striking the half dismes.
Sawmaker John Harper provided a facility for striking half dismes. The property was located at the corner of North Sixth and Cherry streets, one and a half blocks from the Mint site.
A total of 1,500 half dismes were struck.
There is evidence to suggest two striking periods for the 1792 half dismes. The first was between July 11 and 13. The second was reportedly October 9, 1792.
There is no record of Washington receiving any half dismes from Jefferson when they met on September 30 or October 1, 1792. There is no evidence Washington handed coins out to foreign dignitaries.
Jefferson paid out about 55 half dismes between July 19 and July 22 on his way to Monticello.
The authors provide a census of 169 1792 half dimes. We are unable to match this piece with any of the listings. Smooth surfaces feature a clear portrait and readable legends on each side. The eagle's right (facing) wing is typically soft. Light olive and antique-gold patina adorns the rims.
HID02901242017
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, Good 6 PCGS. CAC. The 1792 half dismes represent a major step forward in the history of American numismatics. And yet, the circumstances surrounding their production are somewhat unclear. Personal recollections and memoranda in place of official documentation make discerning truth from speculation a significant challenge. The recent publication of Birth of a Nation's Coinage by Smith, Orosz, and Augsburger has done much to separate fact from fiction as it pertains to the production of the 1792 coinage. Certain clarifications include:
Thomas Jefferson likely delivered Spanish colonial silver coins for striking the half dismes.
Sawmaker John Harper provided a facility for striking half dismes. The property was located at the corner of North Sixth and Cherry streets, one and a half blocks from the Mint site.
A total of 1,500 half dismes were struck.
There is evidence to suggest two striking periods for the 1792 half dismes. The first was between July 11 and 13. The second was reportedly October 9, 1792.
There is no record of Washington receiving any half dismes from Jefferson when they met on September 30 or October 1, 1792. There is no evidence Washington handed coins out to foreign dignitaries.
Jefferson paid out about 55 half dismes between July 19 and July 22 on his way to Monticello.
The authors provide a census of 169 1792 half dimes. We are unable to match this piece with any of the listings. Smooth surfaces feature a clear portrait and readable legends on each side. The eagle's right (facing) wing is typically soft. Light olive and antique-gold patina adorns the rims.
HID02901242017