EMPIRE COIN CO. 1792 HALF DISME

 

Although 1,500 pieces is generally regarded as the entire mintage for this issue, research published by Pete Smith, Dr. Joel Orosz and Leonard Augsburger in their excellent reference 1792: Birth of a Nation's Coinage (2017) confirms a second striking period in October of 1792. The authors believe that the 1,500 coins from the July strike were made on Harper's press while the October striking utilized the Mint press. A third striking period is also discussed, the dies having been removed from the press after the second striking period to create an interruption in coinage. Exactly how much time elapsed between the second and third striking periods is unknown.

The off center strike of this coin and Die State 5 attribution confirm it as one of the later impressions from the second striking period in October 1792. The Smith-Orosz-Augsburger study concluded that this die state accounts for only 2.4% of 1792 half dismes extant. As with their more widely recognized counterparts from the first striking period, these later pieces were also widely distributed in circulation, as evidenced by the fact that most survivors irrespective of striking period or die state are in low grades and often damaged. Indeed, many have been found throughout the Eastern Seaboard, including heavily worn examples found in New Jersey as well as Washington's and Jefferson's home state of Virginia.

Ever since the very beginnings of American numismatics, the 1792 half dismes with their direct connections to the nation's Founding Fathers have been among the most coveted of all federally issued coins regardless of condition. Steeped in history, this superior About Uncirculated example of one of the most significant American issues would make an impressive addition to any advanced collection.

This lot includes the original invoice for this coin's purchase from Empire Coin Company, Inc. (Q. David Bowers and James F. Ruddy) dated October 8, 1965. The purchaser was a Mr. Volk, who paid $1,275 at that time. A typed note signed by Q. David Bowers and addressed to Mr. Volk is included as part of the invoice.

To read the complete lot description, see:
3029 1792 Half Disme. LM-1, Judd-7, Pollock-7, the only known dies. Rarity-3. AU-50 (PCGS). (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-VJELZ/1792-half-disme-lm-1-judd-7-pollock-7-the-only-known-dies-rarity-3-au-50-pcgs)

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