1805/4 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-101, T-4. Rarity-3. AU Details--Cleaned (NGC).

1805/4 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-101, T-4. Rarity-3. AU Details--Cleaned (NGC).，A desirable example of this popular overdate from the legendary Garrett Collection. Though lightly cleaned long ago, it now displays a lovely champagne iridescence with saturations of bronze and sapphire surrounding the devices on each side. The complexion is free from distracting brightness or hairlines and remains attractive in-hand. Well struck for this die marriage, with the obverse stars and the tops of the date boldly pronounced. The crack across RI of AMERICA is just barely perceptible in this early die state, though it later evolves to a thick break and eventually a large cud. <p>The 1805 O-101 variety recycles an unused 1804-dated die, giving life to the otherwise non-existent 1804 issue. Interestingly, researcher Steve Tompkins notes that the ANS now has possession of this obverse die. A pair of Gem MS-65 examples from the Eliasberg (PCGS) and Newman (NGC) collections rank as finest known, though a sharp AU example like the present piece qualifies for the lower end of the Condition Census. <p>Called "a beautiful example" in Bowers and Ruddys November 1979 offering of the Garrett Collection, this piece was shortly thereafter purchased from Stacks in a private transaction and placed into the Sutton Court cabinet, where it has resided for nearly 40 years. This impressive provenance is complemented by pleasing eye appeal that will surely draw specialists and type collectors alike.<p><em>Remarks from the Consignor:</em> Very few 1805/4 examples were saved at the time of issue as high grade coins are exceptionally difficult to find. I came upon the Garrett specimen at Stacks in New York City shortly after the auction conducted by Bowers and Ruddy. At the time, it was the finest example on the market, showing the most detail of any of the coins I had seen previously. A very exciting find, with a pedigree that is a good as you can get.，From the Sutton Court Collection of Early Half Dollar Varieties. Acquired privately from Stacks, 1979. Earlier from our (Bowers and Ruddy Galleries) sale of the Garret Collection, Part I, November 1979, lot 280.，