| Description |
1836 50C Reeded Edge MS64 S NGC. CAC. GR-1, R.2. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. Reeded Edge half dollars were struck for the first time in 1836, with a tiny mintage of just 1,200 pieces. Aside from the edge, the most noticeable change from the old Lettered Edge design was the omission of the scroll and motto E PLURIBUS UNUM on the reverse. These coins were the first half dollars struck on the new steam-powered coin presses and they are traditionally collected with the pattern series (Judd-57), although they are really regular issues. Needless to say, the 1836 is a sought-after issue, prized by type collectors, pattern enthusiasts, and series specialists alike. Only one pair of dies was used to strike the small mintage of 1836 Reeded Edge half dollars, but some features vary from coin to coin. The present coin shows evidence of strike doubling on the lower reverse, most easily seen on the denomination and the letters UN in UNITED. This coin is also an early die state, with the die crack between the final S in STATES and O in OF just beginning. The 1836 Reeded Edge half dollars were avidly collected from the earliest days of the hobby. An early auction appearance was lot 71 in the half dollar section of the Catalogue of a Very Large Collection of American, English Silver and Copper Coins (Edward Cogan, 5/1860): {blockquote}"1836 Pattern - milled edge - uncirculated, very rare."{/blockquote} The lot realized $4.12 to a collector named Bringhurst, who paid a strong price at the time. Eric Newman only paid $25.00 for this similar specimen, perhaps 80 years later. More recent auction appearances include the MS65 PCGS coin in lot 6211 of the Pittsburgh Signature (Heritage, 8/2004), which realized $63,250. The coin offered here is a spectacular Choice example that NGC has awarded the star designation for outstanding eye appeal. The obverse displays an antique cameo appearance, due to the luminous silver centers being surrounded by rings of golden-brown, cobalt-blue, and lilac toning. Vibrant mint luster radiates from both sides and the design elements are sharply detailed throughout. Census: 5 in 64 (1 in 64+, 1 in 64 S), 2 finer (10/13). 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 @ $25.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $52,875.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com. |
