Lot Number 58
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1827 - Sq. Base 2 O.124a R.5+ PCGS VF 35
When I first ventured into the world of bust halves this die pair carried an R.8 rarity rating per Overton’s 2nd edition. We spoke of the “124” in hushed tones. A spate of low grade examples turned up in the late 1980s and early 1990s, dropping the rating to R.5+. The die pair retains its reputation as a “killer” R.5. This piece comes without problems. It sports a protective grey patina, certifying originality. The surfaces are excellent. The strike? Well, this is a 124 folks. They don’t come sharply impressed. The obverse die spent its youth, adolescence and most of its adult life on the 1827 O.135. PCGS suggests a value of $3,000 for 124s graded VF 35. Auction prices have yielded a broad range. Est. $2,000 and up.
