1807 O.111a R4+ Bearded Goddess Capped Bust Half Dollar PCGS AU53 OGH CAC, ex. Pryor

CAC approved. An exceptionally pleasing example of this rare, popular and charismatic die variety. Interesting to me that this incredible die crack formed on one of the earliest dies in this series...the third obverse die used, according to the accepted emission sequence prepared by Ivan Leaman and Don Gunnnet ages ago. And, nothing of the kind was ever seen again! The coin is a spectacular gunmetal gray with golden highlights, the surfaces are smooth and free of significant issues, there is soft, pervasive underlying luster, the strike is very bold and even, with alll stars showing their centers, and the all-important beard is fully formed. The pedigree of this coin is amazing - starting with Sheridan Downey to James B. Pryor in April 1989. Pryor, a successful Kentucky businessman, built an amazing collection of half dollars. After his untimely death, the collection was sold by Bowers and Merena in Jan 1996 (lot 14, at $6325). The buyer was another important half dollar collector who flew under the radar while he was alive...George Hamilton. His collection was, in turn, sold by Heritage after his passing, and this was lot 4479 in the 2016 ANA sale, bringing $14,700. The 2016 buyer was Dr. Charles Link - Chuck to his numerous collecting friends - who went on to form nothing short of the finest, complete collection of Capped Bust half dollars by die variety ever. When Chuck found a coin that was a very slight improvement (!!!) to this one, he consigned it to our friends Ray and Phil Hinkelman at Eye Appealing Coins, who sold it to world champion bridge player Alan Sontag. There is now room for you to add your name to this distinguished list. This is Die State 111.4 (early), per the BHNC's new die state handbook, "Die State Progressions of the Capped Bust Half Dollar Die Varieties 1807-1836", which is a very modest cost item, available right here on our website. Please see our Numismatic Literature section, and get your copy today!