1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-124, T-22. Rarity-5+. Pointed 6, Stem Through Claw, E/A in STATES. EF-40 (PCGS). This is a highly significant example of a popular, yet elusive 1806-dated half dollar die pairing. Richly toned, both sides are warmly and evenly patinated in steely mauve-gray. The strike is ideally centered with universally bold denticulation around the borders that frame well defined design elements. Smooth in hand with no detracting marks, direct lighting calls forth faint remnants of original luster that further enhance this coins appeal. Tompkins Die Stage 1/1.<p>Overton-124 is the only die marriage that corresponds to the 1806 E/A in STATES <em>Guide Book</em> variety. A loupe reveals bold remnants of the erroneous A underneath the primary letter E in STATES. The present example is not included in the Tompkins (2015) census listing, but it may be the "Downey Mail Bid #04, lot 17" example in the Herrman (Spring 2019) census. Regardless, in a straight graded PCGS EF-40 holder this coin qualifies as CC#1, surpassing the Charlton Meyer specimen listed as "EF-Details" at the top of the Tompkins listing. Only one other EF-40 is listed in the Herrman census, also a PCGS coin, which most recently appeared in Legends Regency Auction 50 of January 2022. A significant offering that is sure to see spirited bidding among specialists. PCGS# 39330. Ex Sheridan Downey, May 1991; E. Horatio Morgan Collection; our sale of the E. Horatio Morgan Collection, November 2019 Baltimore Auction, lot 7085.
