1800 H10C Libekty MS (PCGS#4265)
December 2020 U.S. Coins Auction
- 拍卖行
- Stack's Bowers
- 批号
- 1040
- 等级
- MS64
- 价格
- 133,705
- 详细说明
- Appealing Choice Uncirculated 1800 Half Dime
LM-3 LIBEKTY Variety
1800 Draped Bust Half Dime. LM-3. Rarity-4. LIBEKTY. MS-64 (NGC).
Offered is a handsome and conditionally rare example of the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle half dime. Warm pearl gray patina is seen on both sides, with subtle highlights of pale powder blue and pinkish-silver. The texture is smooth and satiny, and the strike is sharp, apart from where Liberty's bust and the eagle's left wing are in opposition to one other, with the result that both features are quite blunt. Damage to the reverse die at the letters BUS in PLURIBUS also explains the lack of detail both in that area and within Liberty's hair behind the ear. Well centered with superior surface preservation, this delightful Choice example is ideally suited for inclusion in a high grade Mint State type set. The LIBEKTY Guide Bookvariety is not noted on the NGC insert.
After a hiatus in 1798 and 1799, when no half dimes were struck, the Mint resumed production of this denomination in 1800. During the years leading up to the turn of the 19th century, Chief Engraver Robert Scot's Heraldic Eagle reverse design (copied from the Great Seal of the United States) had been introduced to more and more of the United States' silver and gold denominations. Its first use was in 1796 on the quarter eagle, followed by the eagle in 1797 and the dime, silver dollar and half eagle in 1798. Next came the half dime in 1800, with the half dollar and quarter the last to make the change in 1801 and 1804, respectively. Gaps in production, as with the half dime in 1798 and 1799, explain why it took the Mint so long to standardize the design of all of the silver and gold denominations around the Heraldic Eagle reverse, but by 1804 the transition was complete. The obverse remained the Draped Bust motif, enduring on the silver coins until John Reich's Capped Bust design made its first appearance in 1807.
As the half dime was not a popular denomination with early depositors of silver bullion, after 1805 no more examples were struck until 1829. As well, no 1804-dated half dimes were produced. Comprising just five dates, the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle half dime is one of the shortest series in all of U.S. numismatics. Not surprisingly, it is also one of the most challenging types to collect in even the lowest Mint State grades. Most such pieces seem to have survived as a matter of chance, although a few of the very finest survivors may have been used for presentation to important visitors or other special persons with connections to the early Mint. The survival of an early half dime with the quality and eye appeal of the Miller example is an extremely rare occurrence, and this represents a significant bidding opportunity for the connoisseur.
Provenance: From the Larry H. Miller Collection.
NGC Census (all die marriages of the issue): 15; 12 finer (MS-67 finest).
PCGS# 4265. NGC ID: 2326.
Click here for certification details from NGC.
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