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Bass-Dannreuther 1 ~
Large D in denomination. N in UNITED boldly recut, die chips or remnants of recutting above A2 and A3 in AMERICA. Reverse die crack from the rim connecting ITE back to the rim. Rarity 6 with an estimated 25 to 35 extant.
This is an exceptional example of a type that is very rare in Gem condition. Color is a rich yellow gold. There are some tiny contact marks in the left obverse field, most noticeable above-right of star 2, and there is a short forking hairline of of the inside point of star 4. A series of strong die finishing lines is visible down Liberty's neck. The main hair curl left of Liberty's ear exhibits a touch of striking weakness, yet not enough to detract from the Gem status of this early gold rarity.
PCGS reports two coins graded MS64, this coin the sole MS65, and two MS66s finer, without any variety designation. Additionally, this is one of only four Capped Head, Small Size Half Eagles certified as MS65 by PCGS, with two MS66s dated 1830, and a single 1830 graded MS67 finer for the type.
Provenance:
- Dr. Alfred R. Globus (Bowers and Merena 9/2009: lot 3685 @ $241,500 as PCGS MS65)
- Private Collection, O'Connor Numismatics
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