Lot Number 81
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181.7 Punc. Date Plain Edge - O.103 R.2 PCGS F.12 3% Off Center
Hidden away since its appearance in my June 2006 MB 23 sale, lot 148, where it was offered as a raw Fine. The primary selling point of the coin is its “plain edge,” not the fact that it was struck off-center. When submitted to PCGS for encapsulation only the off-center strike (3%) was noted on the label. Harken back to 2006 for a complete description of the coin.
With fewer than 10 confirmed examples we may safely apply an R.7 rarity rating to plain edge bust halves. This is a fresh discovery and just the second example to appear in my auctions. Russ Logan coveted this edge error above all others. His collection included two pieces, AU examples of 1812 O.103 and 1819 O.107a. They brought $3,250 and $2,300 respectively, in B&M’s November 2002 sale. The coin here offered, a popular Red Book variety, is sweet for grade with natural antique grey toning, smooth surfaces and good eye appeal.
The coin brought $1,491 in 2006. How many plain edge bust halves have popped up since then? To my knowledge only Barry Broyde’s uncirculated 1831 O.118 that sold for $7,200 in November 2019. The winning bidder may use my nippers to free this wonderful coin from its slab.
Estimate: $1,000 and up
