Owner Comments:
Central States, May 2007-------------------------1937 50C Antietam MS69 NGC. In its 20-year history, NGC has awarded a grade of MS69 or MS69 to exactly five classic commemorative coins. One is an Isabella quarter, now in a PCGS MS68 holder and no longer available as an NGC-certified coin. The records show one special 1938-D Boone graded MS69 . A single 1937-D Oregon commemorative has achieved MS69 as well. Surprisingly, the other two pieces belong to the same issue: not the Norfolk, a logical guess, but the Antietam.Q. David Bowers (1991) wrote that despite the low net mintage of 18,028 pieces, "1937 Antietam half dollars are readily available," clarifying that most were in lesser Mint State grades, though Gems were available. Further, "This issue was handled with care ... . Most examples are very lustrous and frosty." This coin takes those principles to their ultimate conclusion. Russet-amber, olive-green, ruby, and crimson patina covers the entirety of the obverse, while similar colors appear at the outer portion of the reverse. Strongly lustrous overall, though the piece truly shines at the minimally toned center of the reverse. All of this appears on surfaces that are essentially perfect to the unaided eye, with none of the tiny abrasions that appear so often near the bridge. A magnificent condition rarity, one that demands personal inspection. As noted above, NGC has graded just two coins at this lofty level, and PCGS acknowledges none (3/07).From The Cary & Cheryl Porter Collection.