This lovely Gem example of a short-lived design will be just right for inclusion in a high grade type set. The strike is sharp and both sides possess a smooth satin texture indicative of full mint luster. Lightly and attractively toned in delicate pinkish-gold iridescence.This type, produced only in 1836 and 1837, resulted from the introduction of steam coinage to the Philadelphia Mint. The first working dies for the Reeded Edge Capped Bust half dollar were completed by Christian Gobrecht during the autumn of 1836. The type is very similar to its Lettered Edge predecessor, although Libertys portrait and the eagle have a more refined look, the scroll on which the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM was engraved in the upper reverse field is gone, and the diameter is smaller and more uniform within a beaded border, to accommodate the close collar, a new innovation at the Mint made possible by the introduction of the steam press. The close collar allowed the Mint to produce half dollars not only of a uniform diameter beginning in autumn 1836, but also with a reeded edge for the first time. A final innovation was the revised weight standard of 13.36 grams, as stipulated by the Act of January 18, 1837.<br /><br />Gobrechts initial Reeded Edge half dollar design has the denomination expressed as 50 CENTS along the lower reverse border. This was changed in 1838 to read HALF DOL., presumably for uniformity with the contemporary quarter and silver dollar. Given the rarity and key date status of the 1836 Reeded Edge, the 1837 is the only realistic type candidate of the 50 CENTS design for most collectors. Mint State examples, however, are scarce in an absolute sense and rare relative to the strong demand for them among collectors building high grade type sets. In the finest Mint State grades, as here, the 1837 is very rare by any standard. This handsome Gem represents an important find for the connoisseur.,,PCGS# 6176. NGC ID: 24G4.,NGC Census (all die marriages of the issue): 45; 15 finer in this category (MS-67 finest).,From the Eagle Hill Collection.
