Half Dollars

Lot 1705
1795 Overton-116, Rarity 5. AU-50. Probably the second finest of the variety, at least of those reported in the Donald Parsley update of the Overton reference variety book. The obverse displays some rather heavy adjustment marks which are mostly on the head of Liberty and a few around the rim, and a couple of more slide across the eagle on the reverse. One tiny rim tick is noted between the ninth and tenth stars, which will further serve to hallmark this important coin. The strike is a bit weak, the dies were in wretched shape when this one was coined, they display very strong clash marks on both sides, and numerous small cracks as noted in the Parsley reference. As to the color, this coin was obviously retoned with dark gold and blue shades on both sides, and is quite unnatural in appearance. We note the striking weakness on the lower part of the eagle's body, which is similar to that on the plate coin used for Overton-116. An important offering, despite its minor problems, and a variety which is seldom found in grades above Fine.
Estimated Value $7,000-8,000.

1817 O-105a WITH THE EDGE LETTERING DOUBLED

Lot 1706
1817. Overton-105a, Rarity 4. AU-55. Here is an amazing coin. The dies were shattered when this one was struck, with all the die cracks noted in the Parsley update of the Overton variety book for the "a" die state. Furthermore, this is a rarity 4 variety, one of the "tough ones" for collectors to find in any grade, much less nice. Add to this that the coin is About Uncirculated 55, well up in the Condition Census as tied for the second finest known with two or three others, and you have something really special. As if all these qualities weren't enough, this coin went through the Castaing machine (the edge lettering device) twice, with a slight shift so the letters are completely separated, and clearly visible. The only letter that isn't doubled is the H of HALF, and the A is partially doubled. Even the star is doubled, not with a slight shift, but two complete stars completely separated.
As to the coin itself, the central obverse is weak, as usual as the dies were heavily cracked, the reverse has a stronger strike, as that die was still holding together despite clash marks and a crack below the denomination. The fields exhibit frosty luster, and the coin is generally untoned save for a dark ring of color around the periphery. Liberty's nose is also doubled. Of course this coin was cleaned and the fields show minor hairlines, but the surfaces are pristine otherwise and this is a coin that any Bust Half Dollar specialist would be proud to own and display. We expect feverish bidding for this lot, which will be well deserved, for the winner will not likely get another chance to purchase a coin with so many wonderful attributes soon. Don't let this opportunity slip away.
Estimated Value $750-UP.

Lot 1707
1827. Square base 2, Overton-134, Rarity 4. MS-60. Highly reflective surfaces either struck from a polished planchet, or more likely, from an old cleaning - you be da judge. Attractive old cabinet toning about the peripheries. One of the scarcer varieties of the year, and always in great demand by specialists. This coin is certainly well up in the Condition Census, and tied with the finest seen in the Parsley update of the Overton variety book on the series. An important coin and worth a strong bid despite the usual judicious cleaning.
Estimated Value $700-900.
Struck after the obverse die clashed with the eagle's wing extending up from Liberty's neck. Diagnostic engraver's line up from the right claw near the shield.

Liberty Seated Half Dollars

Lot 1708
1848-O. AU-55. Light hairlines from an old cleaning, but the surfaces are largely free from abuse and the color is a pleasing silvery gold pastel look. Sharply struck overall, with some curious long diebreaks on reverse. Pleasant enough for the grade.
Estimated Value $100-130.

Lot 1709
1853. Arrows and Rays. MS-60. This coin does have minor hairlines, which account for its modest grade, but the hairlines are not the usual canals cut into the surfaces, just light wipe lines from a bit too judicious cleaning. Faint golden toning has started to form, and the strike is superb. An important type coin that is seldom found this nice, and usually with problems. The strike is very strong, and we expect that collectors will recognize the value in this piece and bid accordingly. Struck from clashed dies, as are most.
Estimated Value $900-1,000.

Lot 1710
1855-O. Arrows. MS-60 plus. Light to medium mottled violet toning, mostly on the obverse. Popular and scarce type coin in Mint State.
Estimated Value $600-700.

Lot 1711
1875. AU-55. Semi-prooflike fields and very well struck. Light silvery white surfaces, flashy and appealing. Somebody gonna love this one! .
Estimated Value $100-125.

Lot 1712
1880. NGC graded Proof 66. One of the very finest to survive of this date, NGC has only graded 19 this high, with 11 graded higher. There is a delicate band of toning around the periphery of both sides, and minimal hairlines are noted in the delicate mirror fields. Examination will scarcely detect the faint friction on Liberty's legs, perhaps from examination on a velvet tray by exhuberant collectors of the last several decades. An impressive coin that will excite the specialist.
Estimated Value $3,800-4,200.

Lot 1713
1885. NGC graded Proof 66. Flashy and white, with an arc of toning on the upper obverse ranging from rose to deep gold. The devices are highly frosted, while the fields seem forebodingly dark in their reflectivness. A hint of haziness is noted in the fields, and a couple of stray lines from handling, but a glass must be used to see them. NGC has only graded 19 this high, with ten graded higher of the date, that's not many considering 930 were struck for collectors, most of which survive in far lower proof grades. If you demand the best available, then here is a lovely gem of this scarce issue.
Estimated Value $3,800-4,200.

Barber Half Dollars

Lot 1714
1892-O. PCGS graded MS-65. A beautiful coin that boasts frosty luster and well struck devices. Each star on the obverse (save one) shows full radial lines, and Liberty's cheek is free of the usual bagmarks. Similar on the reverse, with slight weakness noted on the eagle's claw holding the arrows. The faintest hint of toning around the periphery. Popular as one of the key dates in this series, and very hard to locate in full gem condition.
Estimated Value $2,500-3,200.

Lot 1715
1897. NGC graded Proof 65. Hazy, almost milky toning on both sides, with some darker golds at the periphery. Only 731 were struck in proof, and this one is solidly in the gem category. A few minor hairlines are the only signs of handling, and the surfaces are truly splendid underneath the toning.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,200.

Lot 1716
1900. NGC graded Proof 65. While not the finest graded for the date, this one boasts some of the most spectacular toning one will ever find on a Barber Half Dollar. The periphery is toned a deep blue and gold, with hints of sea-green fading to light rose at the inner ring, and white at the centers. Examination with a glass will note some stray lines, probably from examination or slight mishandling over the decades, but this coin is clearly a gem. Liberty's cheek is full and fresh, and drowning in mint frost, while the surrounding fields are well mirrored and reflective. It is important to note that every coin has some handling evidence, especially proof coins, as the delicate mirror surfaces show hairlines from something as simple as wiping dust from the mirrors. As this coin is celebrating its 100th year since coining, it seems like a good time to lock it away.
Estimated Value $2,200-2,400.