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Half Dollars
Seat ed Liber ty Ha l f Dol l ars
1398
1840 (O). Medium Letters (Reverse of 1838)
.
PCGS
graded EF-45
. A scarce and curious issue, the 1840 Medium
Letters half dollar variety was struck without a mintmark at the
New Orleans Mint, using an old design reverse die originally
intended for 1839-O Capped Bust Reeded Edge halves (the
1839-O has an obverse mintmark). Mottled lilac-gray and cordo-
van-brown toning has accumulated on this lightly marked and
modestly circulated piece.
Pop 15; 22 finer at PCGS.
(
PCGS
# 6233
)
Estimated Value ................................................... $700 - 750
T
HE
E
LIASBERG
1842 P
ROOF
H
ALF
1399
1842. Small date (reverse of 1842)
.
PCGS graded
Proof 64
. Lovely light golden toning. Probably a dozen or
so made originally for presentation purposes with only 6 to
8 examples known. A needle sharp strike with delicate hues
of natural violet and antique toning across areas on both
sides. A marvelous numismatic prize! Only 6 to 8 examples
known.
Pop 2; 1 finer in 64+.
(
PCGS # 6386
)
Estimated Value .................................... $40,000 - 45,000
Ex Eliasberg Collection
.
G
EM
U
NC
1851 H
ALF
D
OLLAR
1400
1851 WB-101
.
PCGS graded MS-65.
CAC APPROVED.
This lot represents an outstanding quality example of this
scarce date, of which few are known at the Gem level (or
finer). A blush of pale teal is seen around selected rim
areas and portions of the fields, fading over to the usual
russet-lilac at the remaining areas, perfectly balanced and
matched on both sides. The strike on all the devices is
sharp. Notice the repunched 851 low in the date, while the
first 1 has a small raised lump near the top of its post. An
impressive example of this condition rarity.
Pop 2; 1 finer
in 67.
(
PCGS # 6266
)
Estimated Value .................................... $13,000 - 14,000
P
OPULAR
1853 A
RROWS
AND
R
AYS
1401
1853. Arrows and Rays
.
PCGS graded MS-64 PQ.
CAC APPROVED.
On February 21, 1853, Congress autho-
rized the reduction of the silver content in half dollars from
206.25 grams to 192 grams. Mint Director George N. Eckert
determined that a distinguishing feature needed to be
added to these new lower weight coins, and used two
arrows flanking the date and rays surrounding the eagle on
the half dollar and quarter, and just arrows on the dime and
half dime denominations. This additional design feature
had a hidden problem, normal die life dropped by two-
thirds because these new features caused the dies to crack
much earlier. As a result, the Rays were dropped the next
year, 1854 from both the quarter and half dollar. Impressive
quality for an 1853 Arrows and Rays half dollar as the sur-
faces are satin smooth and retain a lustrous sheen. Light
mauve-gray toning overall and quite satiny in texture. The
strike is sharp on all devices, and the bold Arrows and Rays
stand out from the fields, Scarce at this grade level and
rare finer for this important one year type issue.
Pop 207;
29 finer at PCGS.
(
PCGS # 6275
)
Estimated Value ........................................ $5,000 - 5,500
Enlargement
