| Description |
1805/4 50C MS65 NGC. CAC. O-101, R.3. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. Careful examination reveals faint obverse clash marks with no die cracks or polishing lines. The reverse also shows faint clash marks with no other die defects. This amazing Gem has brilliant silver mint luster that shines through the deep golden-brown and iridescent toning on each side. The strike is exquisite and the surfaces are splendid with only a few inconsequential handling marks. Here is an amazing Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle half dollar: a true centerpiece for an extraordinary cabinet. At least two obverse dies were created with the 1804 date, as two different 1805/4 obverse dies are identified today. The O-101 and O-102 varieties are each more plentiful than O-103, but only about 1,000 pieces survive of all three varieties in all different grades. The Eric P. Newman specimen and the Eliasberg specimen, both certified MS65 NGC, are the finest known 1805/4 half dollars. There are also two pieces certified MS65 PCGS according to that firm's population data. We doubt that there are four MS65 1805/4 half dollars in existence as the certified data might suggest. We believe that the Newman and Eliasberg coins are the only two Gem examples known today, and that they are the two finest 1805 half dollars that exist of any variety. When we offered it in August 1998, the Eliasberg specimen was called the finest known 1805/4 half dollar. The coin realized over $100,000 at a time when few coins reached the six figure mark. B. Max Mehl, was fond of writing that the 1805/4 half dollar was "the closest a collector could come to an 1804 half dollar." He was obviously making that statement in an attempt to borrow from the fame and fortune of the 1804 silver dollar. Today, the 1805/4 is well known to collectors and stands on its own as an important numismatic delicacy. Silver deposits were minimal in 1804, as evidenced by the low production of dimes, quarters, and silver dollars (dated 1802 or 1803). There were no half dimes or half dollars minted in 1804, although half dollars were obviously intended. The finest certified 1805 Normal Date half dollars reach the MS63 grade level, making these overdates the finest 1805 half dollars in existence. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $40.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $152,750.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com. |
