1861-O 50C MS(PCGS#6303)

The November 2012 Baltimore Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

3146

等级

MS66

价格

102,573

详细说明

Extraordinary Gem Mint State 1861-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar 1861-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. WB-101. MS-66 (PCGS). CAC. Secure Holder. Although a fairly large number of half dollars were coined at the New Orleans Mint in 1861, in terms of the all important quality and eye appeal, this is one of the handful of finest to survive. The luster is exceptional, graced by a thin veil of gold and blue toning. The strike is decent with some minor softness, but this is typical of the issue. Close examination finds little more than a couple of shallow ticks on the obverse and reverse and these blend into the delicate surface toning. 1861 was a very eventful year for the New Orleans Mint as with the state's secession from the Union in late January of that year, the government of Louisiana took over this mint and continued to issue coins. Still later the Confederacy took over the mint and coinage still continued until they ran out of planchets. Thus the year 1861 saw coinage from three separate entities overseeing the New Orleans Mint. The Union managed to leave one of their spies behind to monitor goings on at the mint during all these transitions. On June 1, 1862, the Union repatriated the city. The New Orleans Mint remained closed until 1879 when the immense need for the new Morgan silver dollar coinage brought new life to it. Numismatic Reflections by Q. David Bowers The history of the New Orleans Mint is fascinating. The comments above might inspire you to see what else you can find. You will be rewarded with an interesting scenario. As to this particular coin, few can measure up to its beauty, as noted in the description. PCGS# 6303. PCGS Population: 4; 1 finer (MS-66+ finest).