Among the significant rarities featured in our June 2018 Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Summer Expo is a gorgeous 1795 Overton-121 Flowing Hair half dollar in nearly Mint State preservation. This AU-58 (PCGS) example is an exceptional representative of the popular Y over Star blunder that both specialists and type collectors will appreciate. Slate gray surfaces are accented by a colorful display of iridescence on the reverse and feature considerable mint luster around the devices on each side. Subtle traces of planchet adjustment remain across the highest points on the obverse, most notable throughout Liberty’s hair, the denticles, and select stars. Evidence of clashing is apparent at Liberty’s throat, leaving impressions from the eagle’s wing sharply impressed, equivalent to Tompkins Die Stage 2/1. Overall well struck, with the errant star beneath the Y of LIBERTY clearly discernible.
This is an important example of this desirable variety, falling into the lower reaches of the Condition Census. The MS-64 (PCGS) Eliasberg-Pogue specimen ranks as finest known O-121, followed by a few pieces in lower Mint State and Choice AU grades. The piece in our June auction delivers remarkable provenance, having previously graced the cabinet of actor Buddy Ebsen.
Ebsen rose to prominence in the second half of the 20th century and is most famous for his role as Jed Clampett in the television show The Beverly Hillbillies (1962-1971). He also appeared in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1968) alongside Audrey Hepburn and was originally cast as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz (1939), although he developed an allergic reaction to the aluminum dust used in the costume and was replaced early in filming. He was considered one of the most enthusiastic celebrity coin collectors, and his collection realized over $7.6 million when it was sold by Superior Galleries in June 1987. The present example was lot 1320 of the sale and was noted to be "a well struck specimen, well centered with excellent detail throughout."
This beautiful 1795 O-121 half dollar is among the numerous highlights featured in our June 2018 Baltimore auction, appearing alongside such cabinets as the Beasley Collection, the Fairmont Collection, and the Boston Old City Hall Collection. The sale is available for viewing and bidding on our website www.StacksBowers.com, or you may contact our offices to secure a printed catalog. To speak with a numismatic representative today, please call 800-458-4646 or email Info@StacksBowers.com. Also, download our mobile app to view and participate in our auctions via your Android or Apple device.
