Lot Number 2
Click coin to enlarge
1806 E over A - O.124 R.6 PCGS VF 30
The “E over A” is a charismatic rarity; it was discovered between the publication of Al Overton’s 1st and 2nd editions (1967/1970) and carried an R.8 rarity rating until Don Parsley issued his 1990 revision (3rd ed.) when just over a dozen pieces were known. The R.6 rating has held fast for the last 30 years. It is a sad fact that most of the known examples are scratched, damaged or improperly cleaned. Low grades are the norm. Tompkins could find none above XF 40. The current example is a breath of fresh air. It last appeared in Legend’s Feb. 2016 (Regency XVI) Sale, lot 215, bringing $5,875. The gold and copper toning is a bit uneven, a testament to originality. Striking weakness at the eagle’s head and the left portion of the motto is a hallmark of the die pair. It is listed at #5 in Tompkins’ Condition Census. Red Book, Registry Set and die variety collectors will vie for this important coin. Est. $5,000 to $7,000.