1826 50C O-102 MS(PCGS#39668)

1826 50C O-102 MS (PCGS#39668)

February 2025 Showcase Auction - U.S. Coins

Lot Description: A lustrous example with a semi-reflective obverse and satiny reverse. Central detail is sharp for both sides, the peripheries softer in areas, most notably along the upper left obverse. That side of the coin is lightly toned in gray-brown with hints of russet iridescence at the border. The reverse is more deeply toned in steel-olive and pewter gray. Overton-102 shares its obverse die with the only variety of 1826 considered rare in any grade, the Overton-103. The obverse is distinctive enough to identify readily, as only this obverse die shows star 7, the top star on the left side, pointing directly to the juncture of Liberty's cap and her headband. Remembering this aspect, as well as the positions on the reverse that distinguish Overton-102 from Overton-103, could help collectors seek out an unidentified rarity. The most distinctive difference between the two reverses is the position of the denomination: on Overton-102, the 5 is entirely beneath the arrow feather above, while on Overton-103, the 5 is almost entirely left of that feather.<p>Even if this die variety, like most from 1826, is considered common in circulated grades, Gem Mint State examples are rarities, particularly with this kind of originality. From the famed Eliasberg Collection, this impressive coin is tied for CC#2 for the 1826 O-102 attribution in the Autumn 2024 to Stephen J. Herrman's AMBPR for Bust half dollars. Die State 102.1.