1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-124, T-22. Rarity-6. E/A in STATES. VF-35 (NGC).

1806 Draped Bust Half Dollar. O-124, T-22. Rarity-6. E/A in STATES. VF-35 (NGC).，The present specimen is among the most desirable treasures of the Sutton Court Collection, representing a phenomenal rarity that is recognized by both casual collectors and specialists. Subtle traces of apricot coloration dust the high points across this pearlescent silver piece. The fields are reflective and glassy, showcasing considerable mint luster. The strike is overall sharp, with just a trace of softness at the left reverse stars that is characteristic to this die marriage. Magnification fails to reveal any notable blemishes, leaving the complexion composed and prooflike to the naked eye. A truly beautiful coin.<p>The E over A in STATES variety is a popular and easily recognizable blunder that is noted in the <em>Red Book </em>as something significant. A second letter A was mistakenly punched in place of the E in STATES when finishing the die by hand, and though the error was corrected, the overpunched letters have provided for a convenient identifier of this rare die pair for collectors to pursue.<p>This exceptional example is featured as the plate coin for the variety (T-22) in Steve Tompkins reference on the series. It is tied for third finest in his pictorial Condition Census, behind two "problem coins" showing EF sharpness. Stephen Herman lists an enigmatic "PQ" EF-40 example from Sheridan Downeys April 1991 mail bid sale that could be finer, though it has likely been accounted for in one of the more recent, certified auction offerings. The present specimen is one of the most important survivors from the Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle series, offering a coalescence of rarity and beauty that is seldom encountered. A whole generation has passed since this piece was last available for purchase, and we suspect the opportunity will not be wasted.<p><em>Remarks from the Consignor: </em>Save for the Round Top 6, No Stem, this is by far the rarest of the <em>Red Book</em> varieties of Heraldic Eagle halves. Considered an R-8 in the original Overton, I was on the hunt for this coin for many years until dealer Jim ODonnel presented this example to me. Without any hesitation I bought the coin, which not only filled a very difficult hole but filled it with a solid high grade example.，From the Sutton Court Collection of Early Half Dollar Varieties. Acquired privately from Jim ODonnell, January 1988. The Tompkins plate coin.，