Mail Bid Auction 47

Auction ended on August 15, 2018

Lot Number 50

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1820 Lg. Dt., Knob 2 - O.104a R.7 PCGS Gen. VF Detail

One of the two rarest die states in the Capped Bust series. (The other is the 1833 O.105a.) This is the first I’ve handled. Perhaps 4 or 5 examples are known, the best being Fred Hagemeyer’s PCGS XF 45. Heritage relegated the Rex and Cindy Phillips example, PCGS VF 20, to its August 2017 ANA Internet session (lot 7571). Collectors did not ignore it. The unevenly toned, truly homely specimen brought $8,813. Confirmation of the sale price and a photograph are here.

Overton’s reference identifies 2 characteristics of the O.104a. The reverse die generally comes with two die breaks, one through RI of AMERICA to wing, another through the denomination. As the die wore these breaks became “heavier” and "a die chip appeared at the edge below [the] center pair of leaves.” I’ve not seen, and no one I’ve spoken with has seen, an example with the die chip. Attribution is wholly dependent upon an assessment of the two die breaks. The specimen offered here is from the collection of Dr. Charles Link. It rivals the Phillips coin for eye appeal – seriously ugly. The dies, of course, are well worn; damage is apparent at stars 1-2 of the obverse. The toning is dark and unattractive. But, folks, if you need an R.7 die state you cannot be fussy. The coin is sold without reserve. Est. $1,000 to $2,000.

Auction Ended

High Bid	Maximum Bid	Total Price
$555 Reserve met	$640	$610