Finest known? Ex Charlton Meyer, as noted on the PCGS label. The Bearded Goddess without her beard. Not even a whisker. This early die state is far rarer than the O.111a or 111b, both R.5. A die break, thin as a spider web, joins the left-hand stars. You will need a loupe and a pinpoint light to find it. There is no hint of the break destined to join chest and chin. Herrman posits “6 known” of the die state. No argument. I have handled three others. Stack’s sold a distinctly inferior example (XF detail with marks and scratches) in March 2006 (lot 2608 of its Crimson Sale @ $9,200). The Overton plate coin is XF but cleaned. The cleaned Oertel/Tidwell example, XF 45, brought $11,253 in August 2004. The Meyer coin, offered here, seems to be the best of the lot. The surfaces feature a protective grey patina, “grey dirt,” if I may again adopt Floyd Farley’s quaint descriptor. Luster abounds. The coin is choice XF, closer to AU 50 than XF 40. Meyer purchased the coin from Don Frederick many years ago. The coin last appeared in Heritage’s Jan. 2010 FUN Sale, lot 3433, bringing $14,375. This is a classic, high-grade rarity destined for a connoisseur’s collection. Est. $15,000 and up.
Auction Ended
High Bid
Maximum Bid
Total Price
$13,000
Reserve met
$19,000
$14,300
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Sheridan Downey, Numismatist 4400 Keller Ave.,
Suite 140, PMB 398 Oakland, California 94605 sdowney3@aol.com (510) 479-1585
