1795 O.127a R6- Small Head Flowing Hair Half Dollar PCGS F15, ex. Summers, DeOlden

Description

There is so much going on here…. This appears to be the finest known example of this late die state, and 3rd finest known of the die variety, exceeded only by the Overton Collection Wonder Coin (NGC AU55), and a PCGS VF20 sold by Heritage more than 10 years ago (that same coin had previously sold twice in a PCGS 15 holder, and it is a touch finer than this coin). The die state is the next thing to consider. It is super late and downright cool. There is no question why this die variety is rare. The die was literally broken into 3 pieces, and could not have possibly continued on much longer. I love to contemplate how the guys at the mint worked to try and save this die. The effort must have been significant and ultimately, frustrating. Then, there is the provenance. It was found and enjoyed by Dr. Michael Summers (an incredibly accomplished physicist, astronomer, Bust half dollar Savant, magnificent teacher and my primary mentor in the Bust half dollar world) for a number of years, then passed to Charles DeOlden. At least one unknown intermediary, and now to DKRC. When last sold at auction, this was PCGS F12, and it is now in what I consider to be the correct holder. Interestingly, Steve Tompkins, in his excellent book on this series, lists this coin as the 2nd finest of the die variety (finest of the die state) and assigns a grade of VF20. An opportunity of great magnitude for the serious collector.