1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. O-126a, T-22. Rarity-4+. Small Head, Two Leaves. AU-58 (NGC).

1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. O-126a, T-22. Rarity-4+. Small Head, Two Leaves. AU-58 (NGC).，An impressive example of this rare Small Head variety that will prove irresistible to half dollar specialists. The strike is above average for this die marriage despite the usual softness at center, exhibiting sharp details to Libertys profile and a healthy trace of feathers on the eagles breast. A delicate champagne iridescence sparkles across the silvery surfaces of each side. Though lightly cleaned long ago, the complexion has nicely recovered and the eye appeal is pleasant. A thatching of adjustment marks is present across much of the obverse, remaining most apparent at the lower border and at Libertys temple. A thin planchet fissure gives the impression of a scar across Libertys cheek and will allow for convenient identification of this piece through future cabinets. <p>Three distinct die marriages comprise the 1795 Small Head subtype that features a smaller bust of Liberty; O-126(a), O-127(a), and O-128. The present piece is the second finest known of the O-126a variety, behind only the MS-62 (PCGS) Lord St. Oswald-Pogue specimen. A handful of AU-55 examples are known, including the Queller specimen (AU-55 Details ANACS), and the roster then quickly falls to VF and more heavily worn examples. It is the only AU example listed in the NGC Census for the O-126a variety and there are none finer. <p>The exceptional preservation of this piece is matched by a provenance extending back to at least 1929, when it was employed as the plate coin for the 1795 obverse 15 in Martin L. Beistles A<em> Register of Half Dollar Die Varieties</em>. Many of the plate coins in this reference, including this example, were borrowed from a friend of the author, Colonel E.H.R. Green, whose collection allowed Beistle to "make [his] work more complete than otherwise." Upon Greens death, the coin was purchased along with the rest of his estate by Burdette G. Johnson in a partnership with Eric P. Newman. Johnson then sold it to famed collector F.C.C. Boyd in August of 1942 for $40 with a grade of "Unc." It next was offered in Numismatic Gallerys sale of Boyds collection, the Worlds Greatest Collection, Part III, in April 1945 with a grade of Very Fine. Almost twenty years later, in the New Netherlands sale of December 1963 it appeared again, though this time cataloged as "About Uncirculated" and "apparently the finest known specimen for this very rare type!" It was purchased privately from Stacks by the present consignor nearly 35 years ago, and it may be another generation before specialists will have an opportunity to acquire this rare and historic specimen.<p><em>Remarks from the Consignor: </em>This piece represents a fantastic combination of exceptional preservation and exceptional provenance. As a separate subtype of the Flowing Hair design, this example shows details that virtually all Small Heads are lacking. It is astounding to think of all of the famous hands that have admired it, and I am very proud to have added my name to its venerable provenance.，From the Sutton Court Collection of Early Half Dollar Varieties. Purchased privately from Stacks, August 1985. Earlier ex Colonel E. H. R. Green, before 1929; Colonel Green Estate, 1936; Burdette G. Johnson; F.C.C. Boyd, by sale August 1942 for $40; Numismatic Gallerys sale of the Worlds Greatest Collection, Part III, April 1945, lot 54; New Netherlands Coin Companys 57th sale of December 1963, lot 768. The Beistle plate coin.，