The June 4, 2000, Dr. Jon Kardatzke Collection Parts II & III, Sale 5
Lot 1300 
1807 Breen-5D. Rarity 3. EF-40. A lovely example of this first year of the new Reich design of Liberty with her capped head to the left. The devices are offset by original coppery toning and the curls on Liberty and the eagle's feathers remain strong, and show little circulation wear. There are the usual fine hairlines visible on the fields on both sides, probably from an old cleaning. Importantly, the rims and surfaces don't show signs of repair or other post-minting problems.
Lot 1301 
1807 Breen-5E. Rarity 6+. Sharpness of F-12 but cleaned. An extremely rare die variety that was not listed in Breen's 1966 monograph on the series. The only offerings we know of are the recent MS 61 coin offered in the amazing Harry Bass sale by Bowers & Merena and two others they note in that catalog. Struck from the same obverse die as the Breen-4D variety, the reverse is quickly distinguishable by the D of UNITED being closer to the wing, and with the lower feather tip of the arrow above the left side of the 5 rather than over the right tip of the flag of the 5. This reverse die broke early, with a crack from the rim through the upright of the E of STATES, through the scroll, eagle's head right of his eye, down into the shield to the second group of vertical stripes from the left. On this coin, another crack has appeared just past the second S in STATES, from the rim to the motto below. Robert Miller in his book on varieties of half eagles noted that just two were known to him. Bowers estimated that perhaps 12-15 were known, based only on his experience of selling 3 of this variety over the past two decades or so. Whatever the true number, this is a much later die state than the Bass coin or the example offered in the Bowers sale of May 1998, lot 1307 as EF 40.
The surfaces have been cleaned, but this is not unusual for a coin of this type or period. Struck from clashed dies, both obverse and reverse, and identifiable by a small pit like dent in the field just before Liberty's eye. The rims show one very minor mark that has been filed off above fifth star on the obverse. Certainly one that should go to a variety specialist, as this is probably one of the last struck with this broken reverse die.
Lot 1302 
1808 Breen-4B. Rarity 4. Sharpness of F-12 but cleaned and repaired. Both sides of this coin have numerous circulation marks, and in fact, this coin may have been sweated. Sweating is the process of putting some gold coins in a bag with other metal objects and shaking them vigorously. The coins were then removed from the bag and spent at full value, and a small amount of gold dust would be recovered from the bag. A hard way to make a living, but that's how it used to be. The obverse rim may have been filed, and the coin was cleaned and generally not cared for in its early life. Nevertheless, the devices are still sharp and this coin would make an inexpensive filler while it retains the type design elements. Certainly a piece that should be inspected by bidders.
Lot 1303 
1810. Small date, small 5, Breen-2B, Rarity 7. NGC graded AU-50. This coin was recently discovered in the Midwest and sold in the Harold Rothenberger Collection by Superior Galleries in January of 1994. Long known as a rarity in any grade, this variety has been missing from most of the major collections offered the past several decades. The current NGC census notes 4 graded, one as MS-62, another AU-55, and two as AU-50. The PCGS Population Report notes 3 coins, two in EF-45, and one as AU-55. With crossovers and regrades, it is probable that some coins are counted twice between the services. Breen only noted two in his Encyclopedia and stated "fewer than 8 seen, none uncirculated". Today, it appears there are about 8 known of this important and sought-after Guide Book variety.
This particular coin is a middle die state, the obverse die broke very quickly, and the few known are usually found with a die crack horizontally through the date, and another heavier crack between the 18 of the date up through Liberty to the rim above the eighth star. The reverse lasted a bit longer, although it is also cracked through the denomination. Shortly after this coin was struck, the obverse cracked even further as evidenced by the recently offered Harry Bass example of this rarity, with additional cracks from the third star to the lower part of Liberty's nose, and a heavy die break from the twelfth star to Liberty's third curl from the bottom. The obverse die was then replaced with a Large Date obverse, and a few more Small 5 reverse coins were struck before the reverse die also cracked, failed and was replaced. Turning back to the particulars of this piece, the surfaces show numerous tiny abrasions from other coins, as the abrasions are located either on the devices or in the fields slightly away from the design elements, implying that other round objects were jostled in a small pouch, perhaps as some 1810 business person rode from one city to another on horseback. These are simply circulation marks, but there are more than one would expect for the grade. As to the color, it is splendid, in the fields near the stars and lettering there is a delicate orange gold tone which gives the coin an antique appearance. Original mint surface remains in the tiny field areas near the devices and lettering. Boldly struck on Liberty and the eagle, and conservatively graded for the amount of wear on the devices.
Here is a list of the known specimens we could locate:
1). NGC graded Mint State 62, not seen or auctioned that we could locate, but reported in the NGC Population Report. Possibly from Haseltine's sale of the W. J. Jenks Collection, June 6, 1883, lot 345 described as "Proof" earlier from Harold P. Newlin who purchased it from Phineas Adams, same as 3 below?
2). PCGS graded AU 55, early die state, identified by a rim bump on the obverse by the first star, and a tiny nick in the field below the last feather on the left wing of the eagle near its body, this coin appeared in Auction '88, lot 900; later in Heritage's Sale, 6-97, lot 6399, possibly the same as number 3) or 5) below. According to Stack's in the Kramer Sale, 11-88, lot 310, this specimen is from W. Elliot Woodward's sale of the J. Colvin Randall Collection, June 30, 1885, lot 914, described then as Extremely Fine, later in the George Earle Collection Sale, Henry Chapman, June 25, 1912, lot 2374; Stack's believes that William Woodin acquired the Earle specimen as Woodin displayed one during the 1914 ANS exhibition; Woodin's half eagles were purchased en bloc by Waldo Newcomer of Baltimore; Newcomer's Collection, in turn, was sold to B. Max Mehl, who sold virtually all of the gold to Col. Green in July 1932, Stack's notes they have a photo file of the Col. Green collection and this specimen appears to match the Earle photo. Col Green's half eagles were sold en bloc to Farouk in 1943, when that collection was sold in 1954, the Small date, small 5 piece appeared in a group of 1810 to 1812 half eagles, lot 232. Our thanks to Stack's for the above information on this coin as printed in the Kramer Sale Catalogue.
3). NGC AU 55, no auction appearance found. (Same as #1 or 2 above?)
4). This Specimen. NGC graded AU 50, middle die state, from Superior Galleries Rothenberger Sale, January 1994, lot 2408 which is believed to be this coins only prior auction appearance, according to Superior Galleries, the coin was a recent discovery from the Midwest in 1993.
5). NGC AU 50, not seen, probably this same coin which has been regraded after Dr. Kardatzke broke it out of the NGC holder to mount it in a Capital Plastics holder.
6). PCGS EF 45, the Harry Bass coin sold 10-99 by Bowers and Merena, very late die state, no previous auction appearance found but possibly the same as number 8 below.
7). Choice EF, Stack's James A. Stack Sale, 3-95, lot 465, fairly early die state, with the bisecting obverse crack light. Identifiable by a small dark spot right of the top peak of cap and a field tick right of the upper pair of leaves near the eagle.
8). EF, Stack's Grant Pierce Sale, 5-65, lot 1303, then Stack's Miles Sale, 10-68, #347, very late die state with the break from the third star to Liberty's nose. Possibly the Harry Bass coin #6 above.
9). EF 40, From Auction '80, lot 923, identifiable by a small tick mark near the rim above the B in LIBERTY.
10). EF 45 cleaned, Heritage 7-97, lot 5200, identifiable by a nick on the bridge of nose near eye and a mark on the central post of the D in the denomination.
11). Damaged EF, initials MIC in left obverse field removed in 1960. Possibly the first appearance of this coin at auction was B. Max Mehl's 4-49, #248, Dr. Charles Green as F/VF, no photo; Stack's Philip Straus Sale, 5-59, #2406 with initials MIC in left obverse field; --repaired-- New Netherlands 55th "Cicero" 12-60, lot 110; Gozan Collection to Kreisberg/Shulman 4-67, #761; Paramount's section of Auction '81, #1426, R.E. Naftzger Collection, Paramount's Fixed Price List at $22,500 in 1982; Paramount's session of Auction '82, #1927; Charles Kramer Sale, Stack's/Superior, 10-88, lot 310 as AU 55 with repair in field; Heritage's 6-97 Sale as AU 50 "whizzed" no mention of prior pedigree or damage, lot 5326, identifiable by a small planchet flake at the top of AT of STATES, and a small tick mark on the dentils above the L of LIBERTY. Remarkably, this same coin was recently offered by Superior Stamp & Coin as the "Large Date, Small 5" variety (!) and graded as AU 55 and described as "...while attractive appearing has been cleaned and buffed-up to give it a false sense of luster." We can only wonder if the next auction appearance this piece will have gone full circle and be offered as mint state!
With probable duplications above, it appears that perhaps 8 coins exist of this variety. Plate matching is challenging, especially with older catalogs and today's challenges of photographing coins through the various grading service holders. Nevertheless, the actual number of coins known is less than the number often reported, as coins are frequently consigned without any reference to what sale they came from, and the necessities of printing deadlines seldom allows time for research of even extremely rare varieties. A foremost opportunity and one of the rarest coins listed in the Redbook.
Lot 1304 
1810. Large date, large 5, Breen-1A, Rarity 3. Sharpness of EF-40 but repaired over the eagle. At first glance, this coin appears to be a lightly circulated example without significant problems. Examination over the eagle's head reveals some minute repair work where something has been carefully smoothed out. Frosty and lustrous otherwise, probably cleaned, with the ever present hairlines now in the fields. Worth a look, and will probably sell for a moderate price.
Lot 1305 
1812 Breen-1B, Rarity 3. Sharpness of VF-20 repaired and reingraved in the dentils. This coin has the appearance of a typical early half eagle, with hairlines in the fields from cleaning and a few minor circulation marks. However, examination with a glass notes that the dentils have been reingraved on the reverse rim at the bottom, near the top also and a bit on the obverse. Perhaps there were some rim marks that were filed away, or maybe this coin was mounted in the past. What we have now is a coin with moderate repair work affecting the rims, while the central devices and lettering are generally untouched. Strong curls on Liberty, and the eagle retains most of his unworn feathers. The die crack is visible from the right wing of the eagle to the rim near the first A of AMERICA.
Lot 1306 
1815 Breen-1A, Rarity 7. NGC graded MS-62. A frosty and nearly choice example of this extremely rare date. Records show a total of 11 specimens known of this date, of which a scant 635 were struck. Walter Breen did extensive research as to why the mintage was so small, apparently only a few deposits of gold were received, and on November 3, 1815 the coiner struck and delivered these coins. The surfaces of this particular coin are very nice indeed, with full luster and well struck devices. This coin is identifiable by a short and shallow scratch between the sixth and seventh stars, just above Liberty's cap to the rim, and nearly touching the lower left point of the seventh star. There is also a very shallow tick mark just behind Liberty's mouth, on the reverse, a few minor hairlines show, and there are no significant bagmarks or identifying marks that will assist in plate matching.
Of the 11 examples known, three are essentially off the market permanently. Here is a census research by Stack's in the Charles Kramer Sale from 1988:
1). Smithsonian Institution, from the Mint Cabinet, reportedly from a private collection on December 4, 1885, previous history unknown.
2). Swedish Royal Mint Collection, donated by one of the Swedish Kings. Known to H. P. Newlin and T. Harrison Garrett in the 1880's.
3). The Joseph C. Mitchelson specimen, now in the Connecticut State Library Collection. We believe that this coin represents a later appearance of the specimen that was offered auction in the Chapmans' sale of the Bispham Collection, February 2, 1880, lot 391 "bought in" by the auctioneer at $150 and returned to its former owner "who paid a great deal more for it" (according to Frossard in his March 1880 issue of Numisma"). It was originally owned by Seavey (not coin No. 4 below). The coin would grade approximately AU by todays standards and Stack's speculates that it may have been repaired on the edge.
4). The George F. Seavey Collection (by 1869). Lot 780 in the 1873 "Descriptive Catalogue" of Seavey's collection. The whole collection was sold to Lorin G. Parmelee and sold as lot 894 in that 1890 sale to John Clapp and thence to Louis Eliasberg, and from that sale in 1982 to Harry Bass, Jr. some of whose collection was recently sold by Bowers and Merena, where it is PCGS graded AU-58. That specimen realized $103,500 in October 1999.
5). The Waldo Newcomer collection, sold to Col. E.H.R. Green in 1932 via B. Max Mehl, sold to Stack's in 1942, they sold it to King Farouk in 1943 with the majority of the rare Col. Green half eagles. Sold as lot 234 in the 1954 sale of the Farouk sale, next in Farish Baldenhofer Sale, lot 1232, apparently sold to Abe Kosoff, then to the Norwebs, sold as lot 767 in October 1987 of the Norweb Part I sale.
6). The Granberg specimen, offered by B. Max Mehl in 1912. From Granberg it went to William Woodin, then to Col. James Ellsworth, then Wayte Raymond, later sold to Waldo Newcomer, who later sold it William Cutler Atwater. Next it appeared as lot 1634 in Mehl's auction of the Atwater Collection, purchased by Amon Carter, Sr., which was then sold as lot 655 in Stack's Carter Sale in 1984. Possibly this is the present specimen offered (or #9 below).
7), The William Jenks Collection specimen, offered as lot 641 in W. Elliot Woodward's sale of the most important parts of that collection on June 25, 1883, purchased by T. Harrison Garrett. The coin passed from Garrett to Harold P. Newlin, together with $475, in trade for specimen No. 8 below. Stack's believed that the coin reappeared as lot 660 in Henry Chapman's sale of the Matthew Stickney Collection in 1907. It reappeared as lot 183 of B. Max Mehl's 1922 sale of the James Ten Eyck Collection. It sold years later by Stack's Col Flanagan sale in 1944, later in the J.F. Bell sale also of 1944 as lot 338. Next it appeared in Kosoff's Memorable Collection of 1948, lot 314, acquired there by Clinton Hester. It next showed up in Kreisberg's Adolphe Menjou Collection in 1950, lot 1460, and possibly next in Kagin's Dec. 31, 1951 lot 1819. Present location unknown.
8). The Harold P. Newlin/Garrett specimen, purchased privately by Newlin from W. Elliot Woodward in 1883; traded by Newlin to T. Harrison Garrett in October 1884 for specimen #7 above. It appeared as lot 460 in the Garrett Sale and next in the Paramount portion of Auction '84 lot 901.
9). The Davis-Graves specimen, lot 1447 in Stack's 1954 sale. Stack's believes this coin was the same as offered by W. Elliot Woodward in his January 1884 sale of the Heman Ely Collection lot 830, which failed to meet the $300 reserve. Woodward doubtless owned it for a few years thereafter. It next appeared in Stack's Dr. Clifford Smith sale, lot 1680, the George Walton Estate, Stack's 1976 ANA sale, lot 2935. It was later owned by R. E. Naftzger and offered in Paramount's Fixed Price List of Naftzger's half eagles. Possibly the present specimen.
10). The Col. Mendes Cohen specimen, sold as lot 138 in Ed Cogan's 1875 sale. Stack's believed that Breen was wrong saying that this is the Parmelee coin (see #4 above). The coin was later owned by H.P. Smith, then via the Chapman's again to John Clapp to Louis Eliasberg, sold by Stack's in 1947 of the H.R. Lee sale (where Eliasberg sold off duplicates). This coin has not reappeared in 4 decades.
11). The Kramer specimen, sold in 1988 by Stack's/Superior. This coin first appeared in Ed Cogan's sale of the Henry S. Adams Collection, October 30, 1876, lot 1297; passing to T. Harrison Garrett, then to Dr. George Massamore's sale of December 10, 1884, lot 925 (shortly after he had traded No. 7 above for No. 8). It is believed to have appeared again in the Chapman's sale of Harlan P. Smith, May 9, 1906, lot 204 and next in Thomas Elder's sale of February 23, 1917, lot 210a. Next Stack's believes that it was purchased by Virgil Brand and possibly offered in 1939 in an ad in the Numismatist in 1939 by James Kelly.
Previously in our June 1999 sale, lot 718.
Our thanks to the auction research department of Stack's for publishing this helpful census and history.
A foremost rarity and worthy of the finest collection in the land.
Lot 1307 
1818. 5D over 50, Breen-3C, Rarity 6. Sharpness of AU-50 but cleaned and repaired. The obverse has been carefully buffed down in the fields and on Liberty's cheek and neck, and the rims have been repaired with the reeding missing below the date and to the right. Not visible without a strong glass, to the unaided eye the coin appears normal. Always popular with collectors, this blundered reverse die was first published in the H. P. Smith sale in 1906. Since that time only handful have been found, and this still remains a rarity 6 item. Lightly cleaned and free of other detractions. One that should be inspected, as it is better than we make it sound and should still bring a reasonable price. Two were offered in the recent Harry Bass Sale, and we have been unable to trace the provenance of this example.
Lot 1308 
1819. Close date, Breen-2B, Rarity 7+. Sharpness of Extremely Fine but cleaned and with a small scratch buffed out. This famous coin has the normal reverse (not the 5 D. over 50). As a date the 1819 half eagle is truly one of the great rarities in American numismatics. From the time these coins were struck, they were worth more in bullion value than the stated $5, hence virtually all were melted and very few survive. Half eagles have long been collected by the elite of numismatists, there are many extremely rare coins and some dates are represented by only a few coins. Somehow, the mint managed to produce 3 different die variety combinations in 1819. The famous wide date, 5 D over 50, which is the most "common" of the 1819's; the 1819 wide date normal reverse with 6 or 7 known; and lastly this close date obverse with the normal reverse, of which there are 3 known according to Breen. On the Sheldon rarity scale, this is still a rarity-8, but with 3 known and the close date versus wide date not published widely, it is possible that another may turn up.
Thus, if you want a complete variety set then you had better see to it that this coin ends up in your collection. It could be many years before another opportunity arises to purchase one. The three known are as follows: 1). Ten Eyck: lot 185; 2). 1976 ANA sale, lot 2936, Uncirculated and 3). This specimen, offered by Henry Chapman 3-1-26 then in Auction '79, lot 1230. This coin is pictured in the Breen Encyclopedia under his number 6475.
Examination of the surfaces will note that a small scratch has been buffed out of the right obverse field behind Liberty's head and the surfaces show moderate hairlines from cleaning. Some luster still adheres in the fields, and the devices are well struck. We are proud to offer this numismatic classic and are certain that a true numismatist will appreciate its history, rarity and quality.
Lot 1309 
1820. Curved base 2, large letters, Breen-3C, Rarity 5+. PCGS graded AU-55. The PCGS holder states that this is a "Square 2" but it actually is the curved base 2. Pleasing old coppery toning enhances the devices, giving an antique look to the coin. There is a small area of discoloration below Liberty's chin, perhaps this is a planchet flaw or something similar. Another scarce coin in high grade that will attract collectors needing this rare type. Well struck and preserved.
Lot 1310 
1820. Curved base 2, large letters, Breen-3C, Rarity 5+. AU-55. Slightly prooflike in the fields and reflective. Liberty is well struck and retains the upper curl separation expected on coins of this grade. Similarly, the eagle shows just a breath of wear on the highest most points, the wing tips, claws and eyebrow. Mintages climbed back up a bit in 1820, so even with the massive meltings during the time of issue, a few still remain for collectors. A glass will note some minor hairlines in the mirror fields, to be expected on a coin that circulated even briefly.
Research by Robert Miller and updated in the sale of Harry Bass collection now finds that nine different die varieties exist for 1820. Most are very rare to extremely rare, and the total population of 1820 half eagles may only be a few hundred coins.
Lot 1311 
1820. Square base 2, Breen-2B, Rarity 5. NGC graded MS-61. A classic rarity in this grade! Full frosty luster on both sides, and well struck by the dies. Identifiable by a dull scrape on the inside of the last two stars, and currently in NGC holder #576194-002. These early half eagles are truly the aristocrats of American numismatics. Rarities abound, and several dates are represented by only a few coins. Others are rare as die variety combinations. As clearly illustrated in this sale, obtaining any of these rare coins is a challenge for even the advanced numismatist. Highly coveted for years, many of the existing pieces were found to be damaged, frequently with initials by the person who may have plucked them from circulation 180 years ago. As seen in this collection, some of the coins have been repaired to remove initials or other minor damage from circulation. Of the rest, virtually all were melted, as even when these were struck, they were worth more as gold bullion than the face value of $5. To find an example in mint state is a true challenge, and we are proud to offer this unmolested mint-fresh 1820 for the numismatic collectors of today's more knowledgeable market. Another opportunity.
Lot 1312 
1823 Breen-1A, Rarity 5. PCGS graded MS-61. One of just 4 graded as MS 61 with 10 graded higher (MS 64 highest) according to the recent Population Report by PCGS. The surfaces show minor hairlines and a scattering of tick marks, none heavy or really even noticeable. Well struck on the devices and with nice eye-appeal for the grade. Tough to find better, and if you do, it will be a lot more expensive. If you want a lot of value for your collecting dollar, then look no further than this coin. Only 14,485 struck, with probably fewer than 100 that survived today, perhaps only 50, which makes it downright available for a type date of the capped head to left half eagles.
Lot 1313 
1826 Breen-1A. Rarity 5. AU-50. This coin has been cleaned, with the usual result of hairlines in the fields on both sides. Nevertheless, the coin is virtually new, with full curls on Liberty and some luster near the devices. Inspection will determine the value as most collectors wouldn't be bothered by hairlines significantly (unless they want to give up on coins entirely). What is important is that this is an extremely rare coin of which there are fewer than 100 known, most of which are in grades similar to this piece.
Breen discusses an interesting piece in his Early United States Half Eagles 1795-1838 published in 1966. Apparently a second variety is known, with last known appearance was in the John Story Jenks sale in 1921. The other varieties diagnostic has the last star far from Liberty's curl. The coin was plated in that famous 1921 sale obverse only, which as noted in the Breen monograph that said piece has not reappeared to his knowledge. Collectors would be wise to check their 1826 half eagles carefully, a rarity is awaiting rediscovery.
Lot 1314 
1828 Breen-2B, Rarity 7. Sharpness of AU-50 but lightly tooled on the obverse. A classic rarity in any grade! Breen enumerates only 8 coins that are known of this date, one in the Smithsonian and two with initials removed (including this coin). Amazingly, there are two die varieties known of the normal date, this as Breen-2B with the first star close to bust, and Breen-3B with the first star distant from bust. This coin appeared in the Rarcoa session of Auction '79 as Lot 1234. In the obverse fields something has been buffed away, probably initials or something similar, with the work rather well done. Cleaned some time ago. Starting to tone with a few copper spots on the lower obverse rim, and on the eagle's wings on the reverse. One of the rarest dates in the series, rarer than the 1819 and nearly as rare as the 1815. Seldom offered, and always in demand.
The list of known specimens is as follows:
1). Mint, Smithsonian Institution
2). Norweb, Proof.
3). Garrett: 470, AU
4). H. P. Smith, Clapp, Eliasberg: 386, AU
5). "DuPont", Baldenhofer, Wolfson, Naftzger, Auction '82: 1933, Uncirculated.
6). Davies-Niewoehner:561, Auction '79:817 Uncirculated.
7). Atwater, Carter: 663 initials in field.
8). This coin, Auction '79: 1234 with initials removed.
Lot 1315 
1830. Small 5D. NGC graded MS-61. A frosty mint state coin that somehow escaped circulation and was preserved for todays collectors. Moderate handling marks are found in the fields, and a series of minor scrapes can be seen on Liberty's face and neck, but they are visible with a glass rather than on casual glance. Mint frost resides near the stars and peripheral devices, and the coin retains some of that wonderful mint bloom that entices the eye. Probably 50 known in all, with perhaps a dozen in various mint state grades. A coin that will never be available in any quantity, they simply no longer exist.
Lot 1316 
1831. Large 5D, Breen-2, Rarity 5. PCGS graded AU-58. Choice for the grade, this coin has scarcely any wear visible, even with a glass. We note that the price difference between a couple of grade points higher makes a very significant spread in the price on these early half eagles. Hence, this piece offers a great value for the collector. Widely scattered handling marks, and with pleasing surfaces for the grade. Struck near the tail end of these large size and slightly too valuable gold coins, most of which were melted soon after coining, and only a few are available despite the original mintages.
A later die state with the obverse die crack from the rim to the fifth star to forelock and a reverse crack from the rim above OF, through F AMERIC to the rim above the final A.
Lot 1317 
1834. Plain 4, Breen-I-1, Rarity 5. NGC graded AU-58. One of the few with motto reverse coins to have survived 1834, as most were melted once the standard was finally changed in June of 1834. For years, the Philadelphia Mint had been coining half eagles that were worth more than $5 in gold value. As such, most were melted and very few survived for todays collectors. Here is a lovely coin that boasts coppery toning on both sides over mint luster in the fields. Sharply impressed and well worth a strong bid for the color and surface quality. Seldom available at all, and almost never better.
Lot 1318
1836. VF-35. Signs of normal commercial usage for a coin of this grade. A few tiny marks on the rims. Bright with some luster remaining.
Lot 1319
1838. Sharpness of EF-45 but scratches on both sides. Both the obverse and reverse have scratches that are visible with a glass on both the devices and fields. Original color and well struck.
Lot 1320 
1838-C. VF-20. Well balanced for the grade, although there are moderate handling marks from a few years in circulation. The reverse die has a bisecting crack from just above the right wing of the eagle to the middle pair of olive leaves. One hidden dig is noted on the right shoulder of the eagle. Scarce, with only 17,179 minted, making this date the rarest of the short-lived type.
Lot 1321 
1842. Large letters. NGC graded AU-50. An important rarity among early-date Coronet half eagles, and especially attractive due to its only light bagmarking. This delightful coin glows with a bright yellow luster, having a hint of that highly valued "green" hue to it. The rims are unusually free from blemish. The strike, too, is remarkable: each star shows full radial definition, the date and all legends are crisp, and the eagle is sharply defined everywhere, even down to the claws and the often-missing right leg. Akers notes that VF is the normal state, when this piece is found at all. He labeled it "extremely rare." A few have been given slightly higher numbers (no Uncirculateds reported by NGC), but they can't possess much more eye appeal than this coin. e current NGC Population Report shows only a single coin graded AU 50, two as AU 55, and two more as AU 58. In a word, despite its numerous small abrasions (proving it was actually used, at least in bank-to-bank transactions), this coin is a sparkling example of one of the truly elusive varieties among early half eagles.
Lot 1322
1842. Large letters. Sharpness of EF-40 but solder on edge, a jewelry piece. A scarce coin with the large letters reverse, but it was probably mounted with a loupe at the top of the obverse as remnants of solder are still visible. The surfaces have the pebbly "jewelry" look of a coin that was probably worn as a necklace or bracelet.
Lot 1323 
1842-C. Large date. Sharpness of EF-40 but cleaned. Seldom found in any grade, the 1842 C is a tough date, even with the large date. A glass notes minor cleaning lines, which have since toned over on the reverse with coppery colors. Well struck as are most of this date, with a curious knife rim on the reverse as usually seen.
Lot 1324
1843. ANACS graded EF-45. Moderate handling marks from circulation and a coin that retains a bit of luster in the lettering. A common date.
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