Gem Uncirculated 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime

Lot 213
1794, LM-2, V-2, R-5. PCGS graded MS-65. Tied for the finest graded of the date by PCGS (save for 1 specimen coin graded SP-67) with a total of 7 seen this high. While the surfaces are superb what really separates this coin from the average is the spectacular deep blue and rose gold toning that is perfectly matched on both sides. Such colors must be seen to be believed and appreciated. We note the strike lacks fullness, which is typical of the variety, with the lower curls weak near their tips, and the left wing of the eagle and branch above shows similar weakness. This is likely the finest known of the variety, and certainly one of the most beautiful as well. An impressive condition rarity for the connoisseur.
Estimated Value $50,000-UP.

Rare Choice AU 1794 LM-1, V-1 Flowing Hair Half Dime

Lot 214
1794, LM-1, V-1, R-6. NGC graded AU-55. Lilac gray in color and quite pleasing in appearance. Traces of luster in the fields, and some desirable blue colors around the edge. Clean surfaces with no adjustment marks or other problems, but we do note a dull scrape on the truncation of Liberty, and another tiny scrape in the field before her face. An early die state before the crack forms on the right side of the Y, but the tiny crack is present from the dentil left of the M and the die crack (die scratch?) connecting the eagle's feet. Certainly high in the condition census for the variety, and this one is possibly tied with a few others as the finest reported of the variety. Needless to say, an important opportunity for the half dime specialist.
Estimated Value $6,500-UP.

Mint State 1795 LM-1, V-1.

Lot 215
1795, LM-1, V-1, R-6. NGC graded MS-62. One of the very finest known of this very rare variety, this coin is probably represented by less than 30 known specimens in all grades. A few have been found in mint state, but certainly less than five. This particular coin has spectacular eye appeal, with satiny luster in the fields and the toning is a perfect light gray with blue and green highlights. Fully struck from a later die state, we note a bisecting crack on the obverse die from the first star through Liberty's head and out the rim through the left side of the Y, just grazing the upper serif. The devices are well struck throughout. Identifiable by a tiny mark on Liberty's shoulder where it joins her neck, above the 5 in the date, and a very light scrape in the hair on the second strand from her neck a couple of millimeters below her ear. Die file lines are noted on the reverse, and these were part of the die preparation process. No annoying adjustment marks or other detractions.
Simply a splendid coin that is a rare variety but may not bring much of a premium as such over a typical common type example. As rare as it is beautiful.
Estimated Value $9,500-UP.
No provenance included, but possibly the Holmes coin, and very similar to Stack's Alto coin, 10/91:558, but that was an earlier die state.