Lot 1706
1817 O-105a WITH THE EDGE LETTERING DOUBLED. AU-55. Here is an amazing coin. The dies were shattered when this one was struck, with all the die cracks noted in the Parsley update of the Overton variety book for the "a" die state. Furthermore, this is a rarity 4 variety, one of the "tough ones" for collectors to find in any grade, much less nice. Add to this that the coin is About Uncirculated 55, well up in the Condition Census as tied for the second finest known with two or three others, and you have something really special. As if all these qualities weren't enough, this coin went through the Castaing machine (the edge lettering device) twice, with a slight shift so the letters are completely separated, and clearly visible. The only letter that isn't doubled is the H of HALF, and the A is partially doubled. Even the star is doubled, not with a slight shift, but two complete stars completely separated.
As to the coin itself, the central obverse is weak, as usual as the dies were heavily cracked, the reverse has a stronger strike, as that die was still holding together despite clash marks and a crack below the denomination. The fields exhibit frosty luster, and the coin is generally untoned save for a dark ring of color around the periphery. Liberty's nose is also doubled. Of course this coin was cleaned and the fields show minor hairlines, but the surfaces are pristine otherwise and this is a coin that any Bust Half Dollar specialist would be proud to own and display. We expect feverish bidding for this lot, which will be well deserved, for the winner will not likely get another chance to purchase a coin with so many wonderful attributes soon. Don't let this opportunity slip away.
Estimated Value $750-UP.
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| Realized $748 |
