1831 Original, B-1, C-1, High R.5, XF45 PCGS. CAC. Our EAC Grade VF35....

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on Aug 22, 2022 for:

$38,400.00 Bid Source: Internet bidder

Get one of these:

Share this lot

Track Item Printable Auction Results

Sell One of These

Description

Auction Info

Guides & Info

Description

1831 B-1, C-1 Half Cent, XF45
Possible Circulation-Strike

1831 Original, B-1, C-1, High R.5, XF45 PCGS. CAC. Our EAC Grade VF35. Equivalents. Proskey 1: 1-A; Ross 1-B; Gilbert-1; Empire-74; Cohen-1; Breen-1; Bowers-Whitman 1.

Rarity. High R.5. Our roster includes 34 individual coins in grades from VG to proof. A few others are known, bringing the total population estimate to about 40 examples.

Obverse 1 appears on Breen-1. The individual date punches are smaller than those of the previous years in the Classic Head series. The stars are large as previously, and this is the only die of the 1830s with large stars. Any altered date from later 1830s half cents will have smaller stars. A small oblique die lump is located between the chin and Star 3, favoring the star. The left edge of the hair curl is over the right edge of the second 1.

Reverse A appears on Breen-1, and reappears as 1832 Reverse A on Breen-1. The highest leaf point is below the right edge of the final S. Aside from 1832 Breen-1 that reuses this reverse die, that leaf position is diagnostic for every Classic Head date in the 1830s. This is Jules Reiver's "Accessory E" reverse that shows the lower left serif of a mis-placed E at the lower edge of the leaf below the E in STATES.

Edge. Plain.

Surfaces. Pleasing light brown with glossy surfaces and generally sharp design definition. Splashes of steel-blue toning are noted at the lower right obverse and on the reverse. Scattered circulation marks on each side are insignificant. A small rim nick is located below star 13.

Die State. Perfect dies as always for this die marriage.

Appearances. Illustrated at PCGS Coin Facts.

PCGS Population (5/2022). PCGS has certified nine 1831 B-1, C-1 half cents as circulation-strikes in grades from VF30 to AU55. Those submissions grade VF30, VF35, XF40, XF45 (3), AU50, and AU55 (2). There are also 11 others certified as proofs, including two circulated pieces that grade AU50 and AU58.

Commentary. A debate questions the circulation-strike vs. proof-only status of the 1831 Original half cents. PCGS is no help in problem-solving, as they list circulation strikes in their Population Report and at their Coin Facts page but they do not include this variety in their Set Registry die variety collection. The Bowers-Whitman Guide Book records a population of 20 to 30 "circulated proofs" and 10 to 15 "Proof-60 and upward" coins. Eckberg calls 1831 "a conundrum." He discusses these coins but does not include 1831 as a variety. Fuhrman includes the 1831 "for the sake of completeness" and offers a rating of R.6.

McGuigan Commentary. Choice glossy light brown surfaces with some darker brown toning around the devices and lettering. This example ranks among the half dozen or so finest known circulated examples of this very rare variety.

Provenance. Ex: Stephen Fischer (6/2020).

Personality. Mint Assayer John Richardson was born on May 13, 1790 and died in 1866. He assumed the post of assayer upon the death of his father, Joseph. He quickly discovered that the office was unsuitable to his interests. Mint historian George Evans wrote: "Finding the office not congenial with his tastes, and so subjecting him to undue responsibilities, he resigned April 1832, holding office only a little over a year."
From The James R. McGuigan Half Cent Collection. (Registry values: P8)

Coin Index Numbers: (PCGS# 1156, Greysheet# 540)

Weight: 5.44 grams

Metal: 100% Copper

More Information:

Special Terms for the McGuigan Collection:
12 equal monthly payments with 3% APR interest starting at Day 46. Invoice released when invoice is paid in full.
or
6 equal monthly payments with interest at 6% APR starting at Day 46. Invoice released within certain limits. Please contact the Heritage Credit Department at CreditDept@HA.com prior to the auction.