 1866'S' Motto. WB.104. Gem Brilliant Uncirculated. One of the Finest Known of the date and certainly for the variety. The reverse die is slightly doubled on STATES, which defines this variety. A frosty, bright coin that radiates lustre with a bit of gold around the edges and high points, the only sign of age on this 140 year old coin. Both dies show evidence of clashing, a feature commonly seen on this issue. Minor die cracks are found through the stars and legend. The surfaces are so clean that no mark readily presents itself to assist in future identification. A tiny toning speck is present between the second and third vertical shield lines at the top of those stripes.
The San Francisco Mint struck 994,000 of these and perhaps 10 exist in Gem condition. If all of the Gems could be gathered together, we suspect that the present coin would certainly be near the top of that desirable group. Another standout in this magnificent collection. PCGS MS65.
Ex Bowers and Merena's Auction, May 1999, lot 148; Douglas L. Noblet Collection.
| |
|
