This Mint State survivor is an extraordinary example of both the 1795 half dollar issue and the Overton-116 dies. On the obverse, Liberty is perfectly framed by subtle russet and indigo hues, highlighting an exceptionally full strike that would certainly have pleased Chief Engraver Robert Scot. Bright and brilliant, the hair and profile elements are sharp and well defined, blanketed in undisturbed satin luster. The majestic eagle exhibits impressive intricacy to the detail in the wing, neck and head. Pleasantly lustrous throughout, especially on the reverse.While today the half dollar is seldom seen in circulation and offering one up in change will often generate odd looks and questions, it is only relatively recently that this has been the case. Half dollars have traditionally been "workhorse coins intended for use in the channels of commerce," as Q. David Bowers described them. The reduction in the required surety bonds for the chief coiner and the assayer so that production of precious metal coins could commence came too late in 1794 to make a huge impact on the nations circulating coins during that year. However, beginning in 1795 production was sharply stepped up. Just under 300,000 half dollars were struck in 1795 from at least 32 identified die pairings, more than 10 times that of the 1794 issue. Consequently, the 1795 half has always been the preferred coin for type collectors seeking an example of the Flowing Hair design.The Overton 116 variety shows die clashing, most prominently with an incuse UNITED by star 8 and LIBE on the obverse and an extra row of incuse milling outside UNITED on the reverse. On the reverse, the wreath has 16 berries, with seven on the left-hand side and nine on the right side. A small but diagnostic die crack on the obverse runs from the edge under star 1 and up to the lower right hand point on star 2 and appears on all known examples. O-116 is relatively more available than many of the other known die marriages of the issue, but like all early half dollars, it is especially rare in high grade. This is the finest example for the variety listed in the Spring 2016 revision to <em>Stephen J. Herrmans Auction & Mail Bid Prices Realized for Bust Half Dollars: 1794-1839</em>, and it is likely the finest known 1795 O-116 half dollar. It is widely thought that between 3,500 and 6,000 examples still exist regardless of variety, but perhaps only about 100 of the survivors are Mint State. The acquisition of any Mint State Flowing Hair half dollar can be considered a significant numismatic achievement. Early half dollar aficionados will most certainly be competing vigorously for this legitimate claimant to Condition Census #1 for the O-116 variety.,,PCGS# 6052.,,From our sale of the Douglas C. Kaselitz Collection, July 2015, lot 5168.
