Lot 888
OUTSTANDING 1808 PCGS MS 64. PCGS graded MS-64. An outstanding example of this date, sharply impressed by the dies with every nuance of the design elements crisp and full. The color ranges from bright orange-gold to the familiar yellowish-green hues often seen on these early pieces. As to the luster, it is full and complete, with a radiant glow that entices the eye. Close examination with a glass will note a few trivial contact marks, nothing worthy of note though. Identifiable by a copper toning spot on the lower left serif of the I of UNITED.
The PCGS Population Report notes that only 2 have been so graded, with a single coin graded higher, placing this well up in the Condition Census for the date. The final star (just right of the date) has the familiar notch on the arm of the outer point. This notch is thought to be the signature of John Reich, the coin's designer. On several dies this small notch is noted in the same location on the last star, and occasionally on every one of the thirteen outer star points. Another curiosity is the small mark located at the base of each T on the reverse, perhaps the T punch was damaged, and this strange mark is present on both half eagles and quarters (apparently the Mint used the same letter punches on each) of the period.
Estimated Value $27,000 - 35,000.
From Stack's sale of the Bartle Collection, October 1984, lot 1112 and later Bowers and Merena's H.W. Bass, Jr. Collection sale, October 1999, lot 789.
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| Realized $23,000 |
