Owner Comments:
O.101a R3. Eliasberg. Finest known of the die marriage and this tough overdate. "Ex: Eliasberg/Kaufman. A later die state with the overdate features becoming less distinct but they are still clearly visible. The reverse has a faint die crack across the lower pair of olive leaves on this later die state. The N in UNITED also has a tiny die chip in its right angle.
Two different obverse dies were overdated in preparation for the new coinage of 1820. The first had the 1 overpunched with a Square Base 2 punch, while the second, O-102, had the 1 altered with a Curve Base 2 punch. Other 1820 obverse dies have a similar Square Base, Curl Top 2, except larger in size. Just six obverse dies were produced for half dollars in 1820, and they were made from four completely different punches for the digit 2.
The present piece, the only MS66 that NGC or PCGS have certified (7/11), is almost certainly the finest existing 1820/19 overdate half dollar. The surfaces are frosty with light gold toning and peripheral iridescence. The strike is bold and the eye appeal is outstanding. Obtained from Heritage Platinum Night Auction on 8/12/2011, Lot 7150. Ex: Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection (Bowers and Merena, 4/1997), lot 1769; Heritage (4/2009), lot 2424