1838-O 50C PR45 PCGS....

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on Apr 17, 2008 for:

$276,000.00 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

Circulated 1838-O Half Dollar Rarity, PR45

1838-O 50C PR45 PCGS. A classic numismatic rarity, only about a dozen 1838-O half dollars are known in all grades, and opportunities to acquire an example are extremely limited. It is thought that just 20 proofs were coined to mark the initial operation of the New Orleans Mint. These coins were actually minted early in 1839, from one of the two die pairs received in New Orleans. At one time in the 19th century, it was actually thought that the 1838-O half dollars were actually die trials that were coined in Philadelphia, but such ideas were discounted when documentation was found from New Orleans coiner Rufus Tyler who stated that "not more than 20 pieces" were struck.
Survivors range from Choice proof down to lightly circulated, such as this piece, with details of a nice AU coin, but cleaned and recolored, now exhibiting a rich grayish color with traces of blue and gold. The surfaces have the usual small abrasions and minor hairlines, but they are far from "conspicuous" as described in the June 1988 Superior catalog of the Blevins and Bodway Collections.
Although today the marketplace is beginning to recognize the importance and rarity of this issue, it has not always been so. Approximately the same number of 1838-O half dollars, 1870-S Seated dollars, and 1894-S Barber dimes are known, but the latter two coins seem to realize higher prices. Perhaps the 1838-O half is an underrated sleeper in today's numismatic arena.
Ex: Col. E.H.R. Green; Anderson-Dupont sale (Stack's, 11/1954), lot 2104; Mr. Gottschalk; Federal Coin Exchange (1957 ANA sale), lot 1535A; "TAD" Collection (Stack's); Julian Leidman; Steve Ivy; Manfra, Tordella, and Brookes; Kagin's (1983 ANA), lot 2494; Mid-American (5/1985), lot 392; Kagin's (1986 ANA sale), lot 4657A; H.W Blevins (Superior, 6/1988), lot 3567; Bowers and Merena (3/1989), lot 2000; Vintage Auctions (8/1989), lot 202.
From The Yoder Family Collection, Part One.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 27SP, PCGS# 6226, Greysheet# 6248)

Weight: 13.36 grams

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Cooper

View all of [The Yoder Family Collection, Part One ]

View Certification Details from PCGS