|
| |
The coin pictured
below is an 1840 silver
dollar. This was the first year of issue for the Liberty Seated motif, designed
by R. B. Hughes, who was inspired by Christian Gobrecht's similar rendition from
1836. Well known for its rarity in mint state, this particular example is graded PCGS MS-64
-- the single finest piece
graded by either of the major services. (The MS-64 listed in NGC's
population report is, in fact, this same coin, according to the well-know
California dealer from whom I purchased this coin.) It has reflective, semi-prooflike
surfaces and sparkling magenta-gray iridescent toning cascading evenly over the
surfaces. The fields are remarkably hairline free, the only blemish being
a small scuff on Miss Liberty's right thigh. The strike is strong on
the principal devices, but weak at the denticles at 6:30 and 12:30 and at
stars 8-10 (and at the corresponding areas on the reverse). I guess I'd part with this beauty for
$22,500.
Finest known 1840 Silver Dollar, PCGS MS-64
This is
the same coin, but the photo is from the website of the dealer who was the
previous owner. My scans are a better representation of what the coin
really looks like, though they don't show the prooflike surfaces or the delicate
toning well.
|
