By James McCartney, Numismatist & Cataloger – Stack’s Bowers ……
Showcased in lot 2095 of our August 2017 ANA World’s Fair of Money Rarities Night Session is an incredible 1819 Capped Bust half dollar that exhibits exceptional preservation and beautiful patina.
This stunning Gem should be viewed to be truly appreciated as each side features satiny, cartwheel luster. The surfaces serve as a pristine canvas for rainbow iridescence that is most vibrant across the upper obverse, framing Liberty’s portrait in pastel hues. The strike is impressively sharp despite a late die state, with precise and frosted intricacies to the focal elements throughout. The cracks on the reverse have progressed considerably in this state, with the usual breaks through the denomination, UNITED, and an additional crack protruding down from the border above the T in STATES.
The offered half dollar is undoubtedly the finest survivor from the Overton-108 dies, ranking even finer than the Pogue specimen that was certified MS-64+ (PCGS) in our sale of the D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part II in September 2015. Additionally, this piece is among the top examples of the overall 1819 issue, irrespective of die marriage. Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) shows just a single coin certified finer in MS-66, while the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) Population Report shows one coin in MS-65+ and one in MS-66. The present lot is a magnificent representative of the 1819 Capped Bust half dollar and is certainly an exciting opportunity for specialists and type collectors.
This piece will be featured in lot 2095 Rarities Night in our August 2017 ANA auction, accompanying such astounding rarities as the Lord St. Oswald-Norweb 1794 Flowing Hair dollar and the 1853-O No Arrows Liberty Seated half dollar from the Garrett Collection. Contact us today at 1-800-458-4646 or email [email protected] to secure your copy of this exciting catalog!
