1841-O 50C MS66 NGC....

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Spectacular Premium Gem 1841-O Half

1841-O 50C MS66 NGC. WB-101, Large O Mintmark. Production of half dollars was healthy at New Orleans in 1841, with just over 400,000 pieces struck. This number is higher than Philadelphia's output in the same year, an indication of the thriving demand for coinage in the bustling Southern port city. The same high demand that led to the creation of so many halves, however, also caused the vast majority of them to disappear into circulation channels, and most of the survivors known today exhibit substantial wear. Only a handful of high-end Mint State pieces are available to 21st century collectors.
Like Charlotte and Dahlonega, the New Orleans Mint also experienced production difficulties early in its existence. Dies were used until they cracked dramatically, and various striking issues abound. Wiley and Bugert cite examples with iron fragments struck into their surfaces, and while the present piece shows none of those, it does exhibit a degree of the striking softness that affects the high points of virtually all survivors.
The collector's eye, however, is unlikely to linger on the soft detail; rather, it is drawn to the satin luster, which shines through a blend of blue-green, mint, gold, and rose shadings. Overall eye appeal is magnificent, and even examination under a glass reveals only a handful of trivial faults. For the connoisseur of early branch mint silver, this beauty is unsurpassed. It is one of just two MS66 pieces in the combined certified population, both graded by NGC, with none numerically finer at either service (6/09).
Ex: Dallas Signature (Heritage, 10/2008), lot 897, which realized $51,750.
From The Bay State Collection, Part Two.(Registry values: N1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 24GS, PCGS# 6237, GSID# 6313)

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 13.36 grams
ASW: 0.38658oz
Mintage: 401,000

View all of [The Bay State Collection, Part Two ]

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