 1831 O.120 (R-6). Choice Brilliant Uncirculated, with prooflike reflectivity on either side. Toned with dark blue and gray throughout, and quite attractive. This is an early die state, with the die swelling in the left obverse field scarcely present at the time this one was coined. Examination finds scattered handling marks, but none are distracting. For identification there are a couple of tiny ticks in a line on Liberty's chest, close to her neck. The strike is exceptionally bold on the stars and eagle, although minor softness is found on Liberty's curls, an ailment common to so many Capped Bust Half Dollars. For the specialist who demands the finest or wants a spectacular rarity, then the present coin is made to order.
An incredible example of this coveted rarity which is clearly the Finest Known of this die pairing. There are perhaps 20 or so known of this variety, and auction records approach five figures for Very Fine coins in AMBPR. The second finest sold in that reference is considered Very Fine 30/30; however, the 1990 Condition Census in the Overton/Parsley Early Half Dollar Die Varieties 1794 - 1836 reports the Census to be 55, 45, 45, 45, 30. Perhaps the higher grade coins are tied up in advanced collections or have not crossed the auction block in over a generation. The present coin was last offered over a decade ago and once sold, another high grade example may not be available for years to come.
Ex Walling Collection (Stack's, March 1996, lot 369 at $18,700).
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