 1818 O.113 (Rarity-8 as Proof). Normal Date. Very Choice Brilliant Proof, approaching the Gem classification. In this particular case, the mirror fields are highly reflective while the devices are satiny, and at a glance any numismatist knows this is a Proof issue and not a typical circulation strike. The curls and talons are all bold as are the stars save for the first and last which show minor softness at their centers. Even the tiny upturned curls on the highest points of Liberty's hair are clearly defined and struck up. The denticles are sharp too, with the reflective surfaces extending between them, as well as within the shield lines and motto lettering on the ribbon. Toned with a delicate yellow hue with a trace of russet and green in antique streaks, producing a well balanced and even overall appearance. Exceptional surfaces for a coin of this period, this piece has been carefully preserved since it was struck.
For identification, there is a minute rough speck touching the back of the lowest curl on Liberty straight across from star 12. A short planchet streak extends in a nearly vertical fashion in the center of Liberty's cap. On the reverse there is a complex scuff over the eagle's head in the field which resulted in three short scrapes, the rightmost one extends up into the motto ribbon, grazing the right side of the 'S' in PLURIBUS.
Further diagnostics include the edge lettering with 'ORHALF' run together with the lower left serif of the 'H' nearly touching the center of the right leg of the 'R', and this matches the Eliasberg coin, one of the two others confirmed to exist of this die pairing in Proof. The die state is also noteworthy, both the obverse and reverse dies are perfect, and this coin was certainly one of the very first struck from this die pairing. All circulation strike examples show tiny raised specks surrounding the 'ED' of UNITED, and these are not present, and the lettering is perfectly formed and not drawn at all to the rims, as often seen on coins struck from this die pair.
No trace of the obverse die crack from star 7 to Liberty's head is present, a feature usually found on this die pairing. Struck ever so slightly off center on the obverse with the denticles thicker along the lower left, upper right reverse shows minutely thicker denticles, caused by misaligned dies. Obviously, this is an extraordinary coin of the highest rarity, importance and beauty, one worthy of the finest collection. One of three or four known, enumerated below.
The Census of Proof 1818 Half Dollars is as follows:
1) 1818/7 O.101. Clarke (1975); Oviedo Collection (Stack's, September 1983, lot 768 at $3,410).
2) 1818/7 O.102. Oviedo Collection (Stack's, September 1983, lot 770 at $2,640.
3) 1818 O.113. Smithsonian Institution. (not examined, assumed to be this variety by Breen and others)
4) 1818 O.113. Elite Sale, (Superior, August 2004, lot 1124, not sold; Louis E. Eliasberg Collection (Bowers and Merena/Stack's, April 1997, lot 1756 at $103,400); John H. Clapp; George H. Earle Collection (Henry Chapman, June 1912, lot 2888 at $5.75).
5) 1818 O.113. The present specimen. Hain-Americana Collection (Stack's, January 2002, lot 1302 at $36,800; probably Gustav Lichtenfels Collection, Part I (Kreisberg-Schulman, February 1961, lot 2741); Wayte Raymond set; Newcomer; Green and Cleneay lot 1142.
6) 1818 O.113. Proof status questionable--"Proof or Specimen MS66" Baltimore Elite Sale (Superior, July 2003, lot 1124 at $13,800). This price is well below similar Proof specimens noted above which have sold prior or after this example.
| |
|
