 1836 Reeded Edge. (Low R-7 as Proof). Choice Brilliant Proof. A gloriously toned Choice coin that may grade even higher were it not for some inconspicuously positioned obverse hairline scratches. The visual allure is truly exceptional on this important first coinage from the newly installed steam coining press at the Philadelphia Mint. The toning ranges from deep gray to gunmetal blue with hints of lavender in the reflective fields. Fully and boldly struck throughout, with full stars and curls on the obverse, and complete definition on the claws of the eagle. Portions of the reverse legend show traces of doubling near the edge, a likely indication of at least two blows from the dies.
For the technical grade it is important to describe the minor scratches on the obverse, which extend from the top of Liberty's cap down through the folds between the 'ER' of LIBERTY, one grazing her ear and below onto her neck near her curl. A second scratch extends left of Liberty's clasp through her drapery exiting to the rim below her bust. These scratches are old and have blended into the surfaces with the delightful toning, and are well hidden by the devices. Examination of the fields will also find minor hairlines and two minute reverse rim ticks, one left of the '5' in the denomination, the other above the left post of the 'M' in AMERICA. Another minute pedigree marker is a very short lintmark within the middle talon of the left claw of the eagle which reaches from the branch straight down and touches the talon. An extraordinary rarity and very important issue from the Philadelphia Mint.
The Reeded Edge Half Dollars were designed by Christian Gobrecht shortly after Mint Engraver William Kneass had an eventually fatal stroke. Gobrecht touched up the original John Reich design from 1807, dropping the motto as had been done on the Quarters and gold coins earlier, and changing the denomination to read 50 CENTS. Gobrecht instead focused his design efforts on the return of the Silver Dollar. These Half Dollars are believed to have been struck on November 8, 1836 and circulation strikes were coined that were intended for circulation under pending legislation which finally became law on January 18, 1837. The 1836 Reeded Edge coinage was struck under the existing old standard, which largely overlapped the new slightly lighter silver weight adopted in early 1837.
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