Lot 2176 from the Bowers and Merena November 2007 Baltimore Auction where it was described as follows: "A frosty example of the date, with excellent cartwheel visuals. Largely untoned, though we do observe a few golden-rose highlights here and there. Boldly impressed, as evidenced by the designs, this is an issue quite challenging any finer." I would concur with the cataloger's description and add that it is a premium quality example with superior eye appeal.
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Lot 2191 from the Bowers and Merena November 2007 Baltimore Auction where it was described as follows: "Orange-gold, rose-gold, ash-gray and charcoal-gray coloration blends evenly on both sides of this piece, with a peppering of teal along the reverse perimeter. Heady, satiny mint bloom appears throughout, striking definition is staggering." This coin is pedigreed from the Premium Collection of Capped Bust Half Dollars with Varieties.
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Lot 2258 from the Bowers and Merena November 2007 Baltimore Auction where it was described as follows: "This later-date Bust Half can be challenging to locate nice. The present example has an overall soft appearance with some die swell over and before Liberty's portrait. The peripheral devices are also drawn toward the rim somewhat. These deficiencies with the strike are easily overcome by the awe-inspiring toning that adorns the surfaces. Most areas exhibit soft silver-apricot iridescence, but the peripheries are bursting with vivid electric-blue, reddish-lavender and gold colors. Nearly full satin luster is also a positive attribute, as is a remarkable lack of abrasions for a lightly circulated Half Dollar." Another wonderful specimen pedigreed to the Premium Collection of Capped Bust Half Dollars with Varieties.
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There is no doubt in my mind that this coin resides among the top five or six examples of deep mirror prooflike 1878 7/8 TF Strong dollars certified by PCGS. In fact, in my humble opinion this coin is superior to the Jack Lee MS65 DMPL (a coin I've had in my hand on a number of occasion -- and one that I sincerely believe to be over-graded). This specimen is boldly struck with well maintained surfaces that exhibit but a few minor luster grazes and tiny abrasions. The fields are watery with ultra-deep reflectivity throughout and thickly frosted creamy devices that provide a strong cameo effect. There is a slight trace of haziness present, but in no way does it diminish the sheer depth of the mirror fields. Although the PCGS census reports thirty-four graded at this level with two finer -- I believe that figure to be skewed to the high side due to crackouts and resubmissions. This is a genuinely rare coin and it's quality is such that I believe has few peers.
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