This lovely Gem should be seen to be fully appreciated. Ringed in vivid cobalt blue, lilac-rose and reddish-orange peripheral iridescence, both sides are almost brilliant in the centers with only the lightest silver and gold tint. The definition is uniformly full throughout and the satiny surfaces are virtually pristine. A gorgeous condition rarity that belongs in the finest cabinet.This coin illustrates the late die state of the 1826 Overton-101 dies. In addition to the diagnostic die crack at the base of the date that is also present on early die state coins, the O-101a state exhibits two reverse die cracks: along the tops of the letters ICA in AMERICA and along the base of the denomination 50 C. The census of Mint State examples provided by Stephen J. Herrman (Spring 2015) confirms that this coin is the finest known 1826 half dollar struck from these dies, including both the O-101 and O-101a states. When offered by Heritage in the November 2013 sale of the Eric P. Newman Collection this coin realized a premium piece ($34,075) commensurate with its Condition Census standing, exceptional quality and outstanding eye appeal. An equally strong bid is once again expected when it crosses the block in the current Rarities Sale.
