Owner Comments:
O.101a R2. Second finest known of this very tough overdate half dollar. Per Sheridan, "Here is the most important coin in the sale, the finest I have handled over the past 30 years. Housed in an early generation NGC holder this coin is a true gem, an opinion shared by CAC. Our consignor purchased it early this year with the mistaken understanding that it was the NGC MS 65 that Heritage sold for $23,000 in its 2008 ANA sale, lot 1677. That coin had been offered for sale in 2007 by Alpine Numismatic. The present offering is a different coin and is in fact a distinctly nicer specimen than the Alpine/Heritage coin. The latter piece, while lovely, was marred by a number of planchet imperfections that showed as spots on the coin. I did some sleuthing and learned that in 2007 and 2008 PCGS declined to “cross” the Alpine/Heritage coin, suggesting that it had questionable toning. The coin offered here appears to have been off the market for many years. I could find no record of it appearing at auction prior to 2012. The eye appeal of the coin is stunning. Richly iridescent hues of blue, gold, turquoise are the predominant colors. The surfaces are immaculate. To be sure, the coin was coined from clashed and broken dies. Nonetheless, as it approaches its 200th birthday, it remains essentially “as struck.” I suppose that the Kaufman coin, NGC MS 66, which sold for $48,875 in Stack’s June 2010 sale will retain its claim to #1 Condition Census. However, this 1814/3 may be better struck, with greater detail at the drapery lines and folds in the cap. In all events, the successful bidder will know that he has captured a coin for the ages." Colorful but in a natural way. Very nice strike for LDS. Ex: Goldberg pre-Long Beach Auction Lot 1209 where it sold for $20,700." Very late die strike but still amazingly fully struck with terrific hair and wing detail" Obtained from Sheridan Downey Mail Bid #36 Sale on 8/8/2012, Lot 17.