174
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Session Two - Monday, January 26, 2015 10:00 am
Capped Bust Ha l f Dimes
P
ROOF
1834 C
APPED
B
UST
H
ALF
D
IME
Enlargement
1146
1834
.
PCGS graded Proof 64+.
CAC APPROVED.
As is
the case with all known proof 1834 half dimes, the date is
low near the rim, the 8 is high, with star 7 pointing to the
top of the headband. On the reverse, RI nearly touch and
the scroll ends under the M in AMERICA. This example is
from an early state of the dies with no evidence of the
bisecting obverse die crack that forms in later states. The
reverse is also from an early state, as the right side of the
M shows no signs of lapping, and the right side of N in
UNITED has not filled in. This exceptional Choice Proof
example offers high, square rims and a full strike through-
out, with original cobalt-blue, pink, and copper-rose patina.
The underlying fields remain nicely reflective, and there are
no readily evident marks or hairlines. This rare early proof
was likely coined at the same time as the famous "King of
Siam" presentation proof set that contained an 1804 dollar.
Researchers estimate that only about 20 to 30 examples
remain today.
Pop 1; 2 finer in 66
. (
PCGS # 4297
)
Estimated Value .................................... $15,000 - 16,000
G
EM
1835 L
ARGE
D
ATE
L
ARGE
5¢
Enlargement
1147
1835 Large Date Large 5¢. LM-4
.
NGC graded MS-
68
.
Pop 1; none finer at NGC. The finest prooflike
example graded at either service.
Estimated Value .................................... $22,000 - 24,000
Seat ed Liber ty Ha l f Dimes
1148
1837 No Stars, Large Date
.
NGC graded MS-65 PQ.
CAC
APPROVED.
Pointed Top 1. Considered the more common of
the two variants, Gem examples are still quite elusive. This is a
fully lustrous example that has aquamarine centers that are
accented speckles of red and lilac-gray. Fully struck throughout.
Housed in an Old Style Holder.
Estimated Value ..............................................$2,100 - 2,200
The Agora Collection
.
1149
1837 No Stars
.
NGC graded MS-64
. Struck with a worn
reverse die, some clashing and die rust is evident at the center.
Lovely deep turquoise-blue and russet toning has accumulated
on each side.
Estimated Value ..............................................$1,000 - 1,100
1150
1837. No Stars, Small Date
.
PCGS graded MS-65
. Very
lightly toned on both sides in hues of lilac-gray and a nice, bold
strike. The first year issue of a new design is often tempting for
the collecting public. In the case of the 1837 half dime, the first
year also comprises a scarce two-year design by Christian
Gobrecht, noted designer and mint engraver at the time. The
familiar figure of a seated Liberty is positioned in a simple, plain
field. Later, the Mint would add 13 stars around her at the
periphery. 1837 was an interesting period in American history.
The two term president, Andrew Jackson would switch places in
office in January that year with incoming Martin Van Buren, his
hand-picked successor. The state of the nation was in turmoil
(as it often was), but that did not hinder distribution of the
sweet little half dimes of the new seated Gobrecht design
Pop
25; 14 finer, 8 in 66, 1 in 66+, 4 in 67, 1 in 68
. (
PCGS #
4312
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$2,200 - 2,300
1151
1837. No Stars, Large Date
.
PCGS graded MS-64
. A frosty
specimen with soft underlying luster that supports mottled rus-
set, gunmetal-blue, and deep gold highlights across the
obverse, the reverse with similar colorations but more crimson
at the borders. Sharply struck throughout, a few small field
marks and abrasions serve to limit the grade.
Pop 140; 89
finer at PCGS.
(
PCGS # 4311
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$1,100 - 1,200
