1807 50C O-111b, Bearded Goddess MS(PCGS#39358)

The Regency Auction 47

Auctioneer

Legend Rare Coin Auctions

Lot Number

29

Grade

AU50

Price

38,775

Lot Description

Ex Friend, as noted on the insert. The Bearded Goddess is one of the few die states that is specifically listed in the Red Book as a separate variety. The first die marriage of John Reich's classic Capped Bust half dollar type, O-111 failed early on with a debilitating crack that first formed at Liberty's chin and down to the bust. Any "prime" O-111(without any vestige of this crack) is a major rarity, listed as Rarity-7 in the AMBPR. As the obverse die continued to break, it made its way up through the lips, along the nose and into the eye, hair, and headband; then down into the bust, through the drapery and into the rim to the left of the 1 in the date. Another die crack links stars 1-7. This late state is listed as O-111b, and is the most popular state among collectors, listed as Rarity-4+, with around 100 estimated to survive in all grades according to PCGS CoinFacts. This variety shares a reverse die with O-112, which is also a Red Book listed variety, 50/20 variety (created when the engraver erroneously punched the denomination upside down before correcting the error). This PCGS-graded, CAC-approved AU50 is a condition census example of this extremely popular variety. Showing only light, generally problem free wear from a short time in commercial channels. A glass reveals some minor ticks and lines from its time in circulation, these are not serious, nor do they have a major impact on the eye appeal or grade. Ample retained luster can be seen in the fields, especially around the well struck devices. A colorful palette of color, offering up delightful shades of blue, rose, green, and gold make this a visually bold example of this KEY variety. Ex Dale Friend Collection, Heritage, August 2018, lot 5126; our consignor. PCGS 5, NGC 1, CAC 1. This example sold for $40,800 in the August 2018 ANA auction; a month later, we sold the Konstantine Collection AU53 CAC for $58,750. The current PCGS Price Guide and CAC CPG values are clearly too low. Only a half dozen are graded finer at PCGS. A real prize for the Capped Bust half dollar specialist, and an opportunity that rarely presents itself. Be prepared! Cert. Number 35594613 PCGS # 39357.00