Netherlands. Campen. Undated (ca. 1640) Half Daalder or “Half Lion Dollar.” Dav-8882, Delmonte-887. MS-62 (PCGS).As with the lion dollars, half lion dollars are rarely found perfect. Their imperfections can be found on every possible axis: planchet, strike, color, preservation, wear, or surface. As a basic type coin, half daalders are at least 10 times rarer than their larger brethren, but perhaps even harder to find in attractive high grade. This example is one of the very finest weve encountered, with frosty luster on both sides amidst subtle pastel gold and blue tones. The struck detail is superb, with just a few minor peripheral soft spots. The reverse is somewhat double struck, but the lion on the obverse is particularly crisp. Upgrading this coin without sacrificing one of the major aspects of this pieces quality would be very challenging.From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex John Agre and Dave Wnuck (Coin Rarities Online), December 2012.<p>
