- More
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, VF25 PCGS.
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Auction Preview: Preview items may not have yet been properly described or vetted, and items are posted as soon as they have a description or a picture. We are continuing to add and correct information as we approach the auction posting date, so check back here often and Contact us with any comments or suggestions.
Consign your material with Heritage! Although the Consignment Deadline for this auction has passed, we are always accepting quality consignments.
Track Item
Share this lot
Description
1792 Half Disme, Judd-7, VF25
First U.S. Circulating Coinage Issue
Laminated Planchet Error
1792 H10C Half Disme, Judd-7, Pollock-7, R.4, VF25 PCGS. The
1792 half disme was the first coin struck under the authority of
the Mint Act of 1792. President George Washington gave his approval
for the coin's production on July 9, 1792 in a letter to Mint
Director David Rittenhouse and Thomas Jefferson deposited the
silver bullion for the striking two days later. The coins were
actually struck in the cellar facility of Philadelphia sawmaker
John Harper because the First United States Mint was not ready for
operations in its own building at that time. On the 13th, Jefferson
recorded the following statement in his personal account book,
"Recd. from the mint 1,500 half dismes of the new coinage."
Washington mentioned the half dismes in his November 6, 1792 State
of the Union Address:"In execution of the authority given by the Legislature measures have been taken for engaging some artists from abroad to aid in the establishment of our mint. Others have been employed at home. Provision has been made of the requisite buildings, and these are now putting into proper condition for the purposes of the establishment. There has also been a small beginning in the coinage of half dimes, the want of small coins in circulation calling the first attention to them."
From this we see that the 1792 half dismes were clearly intended to be a circulating issue, but they have traditionally been collected with the pattern series, as well. As the first United States coin, the historical importance of this issue cannot be overestimated and the inclusion of a specimen is a mark of distinction for any collection.
Pete Smith has traced the pedigree of this coin back to lot 300 of the Commodore Eaton Collection (Henry Chapman, 5/1929), "Good but obverse has three blisters, one before head, one on cheek and behind it. Otherwise good." It was struck a trifle off-center and the legends on the lower left have run slightly off the planchet. The design elements show considerable wear, but some interior detail remains intact. The date, denomination, and the lettering on the right side of the obverse remain bold. As Chapman noted, several interesting planchet laminations show on the obverse (as struck), affecting the bust and the adjacent fields. The pleasing rose-gray surfaces are free of large or distracting abrasions. This coin possesses unparalleled historic interest and an overall attractive presentation, despite the noted surface flaws. We expect intense competition when this lot is called.
Ex: Commodore W.C. Eaton Collection (Henry Chapman, 5/1929), lot 300; unknown intermediaries; 1982 ANA Convention Auction (Steve Ivy Numismatic Auctions, 8/1982), lot 272; Dallas ANA Signature (Heritage, 3/2016), lot 4777. (NGC ID# D93T, PCGS# 11020)
Learn more at the Newman Numismatic Portal at Washington University in St. Louis.
Auction Info
Bidding Begins Approx.
December
20th
Friday
Auction Dates
January
8th-13th
Wednesday-Monday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
14 Days
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: N/A
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 212
Auction Type
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live starts 24 hours before the live session begins and continues through the session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live starts 24 hours before the live session begins and continues through the session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
Numismatic Background and Census of 1802 Half Dimes: A Classic American Rarity
This 64-page book cites mintage and rarity estimates by prominent numismatists and documents the currently known 1802 half dime appearances. Each of the 32 documented examples includes an enlarged obverse/reverse photograph, the author's assigned grade, the provenance of each coin, auction prices realized or dealer fixed asking price, and a unique serial number for each specimen that will facilitate retrieval for research, cataloging, or price-information purposes. Reserve your copy of this remarkable volume for just $29.95 today.
This 64-page book cites mintage and rarity estimates by prominent numismatists and documents the currently known 1802 half dime appearances. Each of the 32 documented examples includes an enlarged obverse/reverse photograph, the author's assigned grade, the provenance of each coin, auction prices realized or dealer fixed asking price, and a unique serial number for each specimen that will facilitate retrieval for research, cataloging, or price-information purposes. Reserve your copy of this remarkable volume for just $29.95 today.
Sales Tax information
| PCGS Guarantee of Grade and Authenticity
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms | Coin Grading Tutorial
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms | Coin Grading Tutorial
Viewing at %
Please enter a value between % and 100% and press your "Enter" key. Close
Fit to screen
View Full Size
Brightness