1800 Draped Bust Half Dime. LM-3, V-2. Rarity-4. LIBEKTY. AU-53 (PCGS). CAC. CMQ.
This delightful half dime is richly toned in steel-mauve patina that yields to a target-like distribution of exceptionally vivid brick red, antique gold and cobalt blue iridescence toward the center of the reverse. Ample satin luster enhances the pleasantly smooth-looking surfaces. The strike is bold for this challenging early U.S. Mint design type, appreciable softness confined to the centers, and minimally distracting during in-hand viewing. We certainly anticipate keen bidder interest in this outstanding AU Draped Bust half dime. Logan-McCloskey 3 is one of two die marriages for the popular LIBEKTY Guide Book variety, which takes its name from the broken device punch used for the letter R in LIBERTY. Both LM-3 and LM-4 employ this obverse die, the latter a major rarity identifiable by the top three arrow heads in the eagle's talon of equal height. Although nowhere near as rare in an absolute sense, LM-3 is still a conditionally challenging variety that is seldom offered above the EF level. One of the finest examples that we have offered in recent sales, this outstanding coin will appeal to quality-conscious Guide Book collectors and early half dime variety specialists.
PCGS# 4265. NGC ID: 2326.
CAC Stickered Population: 5 in all AU grades; 9 in all Mint State grades.
From Heritage's sale of the Watermark Collection, January 2020 FUN Signature Auction, lot 4140; our sale of the Srotag Collection, August 2024 Global Showcase Auction, lot 3046.

Estimate: $10000