1852 50C MS67 NGC....

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on Apr 30, 2009 for:

Sign-in or Join (free & quick)

Get one of these:

Share this lot

Track Item Printable Auction Results

Sell One of These

Description

Auction Info

Guides & Info

Description

Splendid 1852 Seated Half, MS67

1852 50C MS67 NGC. It was not until February of 1853 that a weight reduction went into effect for all subsidiary silver coinage. This weight reduction did not occur without considerable debate in Congress and concern over "cheating" U.S. citizens by producing coinage with less than their stated value in precious metal. The problem had been that for decades both silver and gold coins had been melted as the raw silver or gold content was worth more than the coin's face value. Which makes one wonder, why was this pre-1853 large silver coin set aside, and in such a superior grade? Was it meant to be melted and spared because of its extraordinary condition? Was it a part of some now forgotten hoard of 1852 halves? Or did someone simply look at this coin in 1852 and appreciate its special surface qualities? Only 77,130 pieces were minted of this issue, and obviously melting and attrition took a heavy toll. The population data from both of the major services indicates that only one other coin has been certified in MS67, an NGC piece; which makes us pose another question: is that second piece a resubmission of this same coin?
Fully struck throughout, the surfaces are brilliant and highly lustrous with a frosted sheen over both obverse and reverse. As one would expect from a coin of this grade, there are no obvious abrasions on either side. The only remarkable features are both Mint-made, an area of partial die polish in the field to the left of the rock on the obverse, and several die striations in the reverse field above HALF DOL. Breathtaking quality.
From The Joseph C. Thomas Collection.(Registry values: N1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 24HL, PCGS# 6268, GSID# 6270)

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 13.36 grams
ASW: 0.38658oz
Mintage: 77,130

View all of [The Joseph C. Thomas Collection, Part Two ]

View Certification Details from NGC