Heart of Ohio Early Half Dollars
1808

Owner Comments:

O.108a R4. Newman. Finest Known. CAC. Phenomenal original surfaces with amazing luster, WOW! "Finest O-108a by Four Grading Points. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. This high-end Premium Gem features sharply detailed design elements, most unusual on an 1808 half dollar, which typically comes softly struck. Vibrant mint luster shines through attractive shades of silver-gray, lavender, and champagne-gold toning. The obverse shows some dramatic clash marks around the date and in the right field. This coin shows indescribably rich toning. It is set apart from the preceding jaw-dropping MS65 examples in the same way that a mature observer might prefer Paul Newman to Brad Pitt or Lauren Bacall to a young Audrey Hepburn. In all events, this coin is a "must-have" for advanced specialists and Registry Set collectors. A large mintage of more than 1.3 million Capped Bust half dollars was accomplished in 1808, with 10 die varieties known for the date. Stephen Herrman's survey of auction appearances lists no example of an O-108 finer than MS61, and no O-108a finer than MS62. This coin is far and away the finest known example of the variety. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $4.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society," per Heritage cataloger (Sheridan Downey). Heritage Auction #1190 of the Newman Collection on 11/15/2013, Lot 33439.