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1809 O.109a. IIII Edge. Superb Gem Brilliant Uncirculated

From Stack's October 2006 New York Auction, Session 1 on Oct 17, 2006

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Categories  •  Stack's October 2006 New York The George Byers Collection of U. S. Half Dollars, 1795-1964 United States Half Dollars United States Capped Bust, Lettered Edge Half Dollars
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1809 O.109a. IIII Edge. Superb Gem Brilliant Uncirculated. The present coin is simply stunning in...1809 O.109a. IIII Edge. Superb Gem Brilliant Uncirculated. The present coin is simply stunning in quality, and is almost certainly the Finest Known of the 'a' die state, and possibly of the entire variety as well. Perhaps the Gehring Prouty early die state example and the Eliasberg late die state coin may be worthy contenders for the crown, but they would have to be compared together with the present coin to make that determination.

The coin here is toned with regal dark blue and gray over satiny silver lustre, the toning being well balanced and matched on both sides. Any numismatist will marvel at the quality of the surfaces, as a strong magnifier will detect scarcely any signs of handling. There are three tiny ticks near Liberty's chin, one in the field, and two on her neck and jaw. A minute edge flaw is present at the 1:00 position on the obverse. On the reverse, signs of handling are detectable near the eagle's beak, but scarcely warrant mention. The surface quality of this coin defies description, it simply must be studied to appreciate the majestic quality retained through the trials of time and attrition.

This reverse die cracked in a curious fashion. Through the center of the letters 'MERICA' it appears that the denticles clashed from the obverse causing the reverse die to crack. This would not seem possible as the edge of the obverse die would have to be tilted and misaligned for the edge denticles to clash into the center of the reverse lettering. This must have been the case, as the reverse seems to show evidence of this in the way that it cracked and clashed. Numismatics has many such mysteries which confound collectors keeping their interest alive and vibrant. On this piece, the die crack has formed through the centers of AMERICA, with the denticles clashed below the die crack in 'RICA' extending to the rim below the bottom arrowhead.

The edge has the experimental 'XXXX' between DOLLAR and FIFTY and this may have been done by John Reich, the Engraver brought in to update coin designs at the Philadelphia Mint in 1807. Reich's tenure at the Mint lasted ten years until 1817 when he finally moved on after not receiving a single pay raise in a decade. No doubt other personalities played an important part in his decision as well--they always do. His coin designs remain popular with collectors today, a testament to the man and his artistic and engraving talents.

Ex Drombowski and Orwen Sale (Stack's, October 20, 1999, lot 350); Stack's Session of Auction '86, July 1986, lot 183.

Lot # 1018 Session 1
Hammer Price: $19,000.00

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