1851-O 50C MS(PCGS#6267)

The August 2013 Chicago ANA World's Fair of Money

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

4142

Grade

MS65

Price

11,163

Lot Description

1851-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. WB-101, Die Pair WB-4. Rarity-3. MS-65 (NGC). OH. In terms of total number of coins believed extant, the 1851-O is probably the second rarest issue in the New Orleans Mint Liberty Seated half dollar series of 1840-1861. Only the 1852-O is more difficult to come by in today's market. The reason for the elusiveness of the 1851-O is a limited mintage of 402,000 pieces combined with a high rate of attrition suffered through circulation. A remarkable condition rarity, this high-end Gem vies with six other MS-65s at both services, and just three MS-66s. Beautifully toned, the obverse periphery is splashed with vivid cobalt-blue and deep sunset-red colors that irregularly cover the reverse. The luster is full with a bright, satiny texture and the devices are sharply struck. Beautifully toned and a true collector's piece. PCGS# 6267. Provenance: From the Richard Jewell Collection. NGC Census: just 4; with a lone MS-66 finer.