1853-D Round 50 Cents. B-422. Rarity-6+. Liberty Head. MS-63 (PCGS). Vivid medium gold surfaces with a blush of rose-apricot iridescence over the upper right reverse. The reverse shows a prominent horizontal crack from 3 to 9 oclock, and there are definite signs of swelling on that side (caused when a die collapses in upon itself). This reverse probably "gave up the ghost" soon after production of the issue began, which would account for its elusiveness today. BG-422 was first noted by F.C.C. Boyd, who was active in numismatics circa 1910 to 1946. This Condition Census Choice Mint State example offers an ideal opportunity for the advanced collector to enter the "second tier" of rarity in the California small denomination gold series, which includes those scarce issues rated Rarity-6 and higher. From the Oregon Collection.
