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Rare 1802 Half Dime to Appear at
Auction!
Dallas, Texas:
The 1802 half dime is one of the most famous rarities within the United States
early silver series. Among half dimes, only the unique 1870-S is more
desirable. Numismatists estimate that only 35 or so 1802 half dimes have
survived from the initial recorded mintage of 3,060 pieces. |
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Dallas, Texas: The 1802 half dime is one of the most
famous rarities within the United States early silver series. Among half dimes,
only the unique 1870-S is more desirable. Numismatists estimate that only 35 or
so 1802 half dimes have survived from the initial recorded mintage of 3,060
pieces.
“Most remaining 1802 half dimes are well worn or damaged,
although an example in any condition would be the centerpiece of most advanced
collections,” said Greg Rohan, President of Dallas-based Heritage Auction
Galleries. “But the 1802 half dime from the Steve Glenn Collection is
certified XF45 by PCGS, and that places it within the Condition Census for this
rare issue. PCGS has certified only two pieces in higher grade, both at the
AU55 level.”
“As soon as coin collecting became popular in
the United States, beginning in the late 1850s, the rarity of the 1802 was
recognized,” Rohan continued. “The first coin offered at public
auction was in the 1859 Edward Cogan sale of the J.N.T. Levick Collection, but
that piece did not sell. The first actual sale of an 1802 half dime was four
years later in the Lilliendahl Collection. That coin, described by W.H.
Strobridge as ‘very good condition,’ brought $340, an enormous price
for the era. By comparison, the finest known 1794 dollar sold the same year for
$285.”
“The Steve Glenn Collection example is only the eighth
appearance of an 1802 half dime in a Heritage auction,” Rohan stated.
“Among these pieces, only the Granberg specimen was in finer grade. The
Glenn example has lilac surfaces, with golden accents around the devices. For
pedigree purposes, it can be identified by light marks on Liberty’s cheek
and the horizontal shield stripes. As always for this rare date, Liberty’s
lower hair curls and stars 2, 3, and 8 above the eagle’s head show some
softness of strike.”
Heritage Auction Galleries will offer the
1802 Half Dime, XF45 PCGS, as lot 1868 in their upcoming Signature Auction, to
be held April 26-29, 2006, as the official auctioneer of the Central States
Numismatic Society’s 2006 convention, at the Greater Columbus Convention
Center, at 400 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio.
PHOTO:
1802
Half Dime PCGS-Certified XF45:
For more information about
Heritage’s auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with
full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit
www.HeritageAuctions.com.
To reserve your copy of any Heritage auction
catalog, please contact Nicole Jewell at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 272, or visit
www.HeritageAuctions.com to order by email.
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Media Contact:
Cathy
Hadd
Heritage Auction Galleries www.HeritageAuctions.com
The
World's Largest Collectibles Auctioneer
3500 Maple Avenue, 17th Floor
Dallas, TX 75219
1-800-872-6467 x 216
Cathy@HeritageAuctions.com |
| Publication Date: 04/07/2006 |
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