Black Cat - Half Dollar Type Set (1794-present) Coin Album
CAC - A remarkably flashy coin, with cartwheel luster that would better match a coin several grades higher than the grade assigned. Vibrant golden toning with shades of rose covers both sides, accentuating the burst of light from each spin of the luster. The strike is remarkably sharp, showing flat stars on the right side of the obverse but making up for that area of deficiency nearly everywhere else. The vestiges of planchet adjustment that criss-cross the reverse are nearly all obliterated by this bold strike, though relics of them remain at center, near ST of STATES, and a few other areas. No heavy marks are seen, but the obverse shows some hairlines, including a short diagonal line on Liberty’s cheek and a longer vertical one that crosses it. The Y over the erroneous star is easily seen under low magnification. The eye appeal is breathtaking, and precious few examples of this type have anything remotely resembling the luster and surfaces of this coin. The Dr. Judd - Foxfire Coin
CAC - "Beautiful and original multicolored toning cascades over both sides of this stunning high-end Gem. Gold and silver-gray coloration imbued with whispers of soft bluish-violet, orange, and russet predominate, accented with splashes of deep electric-blue, violet, reddish-gold, and purple at the upper-right and right obverse and on the lower-right quadrant of the reverse. Reflective prooflike fields highlight the frosty central motifs, yielding a pleasing degree of contrast on each side. The design elements are sharply struck, including individual strands of Liberty's hair and curls. The eagle's wing and tail feathers are bold, as are the talons. A curving, as-made lintmark is visible just above Liberty's cleavage, and light horizontal adjustment marks at the left and right reverse border do not affect the clarity of the letters in UNITED and AMERICA. The few minuscule marks that are visible only under a glass are insignificant and unobtrusive. Indeed, the surfaces on both sides are remarkably well-preserved." This easily one of the two finest 1797 halves certified. Ex: Farish Baldenhofer Collection (Stack's, 11/1955), lot 676; Norweb Collection (Bowers and Merena, 11/1988), lot 3027; Dr. Haig A. Koshkarian Collection (American Numismatic Rarities, 3/2004), lot 76; Stack's (7/2008), lot 4261, The Collection of Oliver Jung (Heritage, 8/2014), lot 5582, The Jim O'Neal Collection of U.S. Half Dollar Types.(Heritage, 1/2023), lot 3701
CAC - One of two MS68 coins for the Type at PCGS (4/24). "The overall color scheme is one of reddish-orange patina yielding to vivid electric-blue highlights at the denticles. The right obverse, however, displays mottled sea-green overtones intermingled with silver-tinged near-brilliance. The impression is expertly centered on the planchet with fully evident denticulation bordering devices that are sharply delineated in virtually all areas. Lustrous with a softly frosted texture, the surfaces are uncommonly blemish-free."
CAC - Superb deep gray obverse toning features rich olive and subtle golden-amber highlights, the latter of which become brighter at the peripheries. The reverse is lighter, with pleasing gold color and glimpses of bright blue near the periphery. With its attractive color, thorough luster, and fine surface frost, this piece offers excellent aesthetic appeal. The strike is sound, very bold at centers while yielding a bit on some peripheral elements, including star 7, the arrowheads, and the tops of the letters in CENTS. The quality of this piece, with its color, surfaces, strike, and technical preservation, is as nice as could be hoped for at this grade level.
CAC - "Impressive mint frost remains on delightfully toned surfaces, with gold and pale golden gray dappled across the obverse, intermingling with silvery brilliance, while the reverse shows a more typical tone of brilliant silver tinged with gold and pale rose. The cartwheel luster and visual appeal are both exceptional..." Ex. D. Brent Pogue Collection
CAC - The finest endorsed CAC coin (as a plus) - A very challenging coin. "Each side displays medium-density reddish-golden patina, with accents of blue around the margins. There is no sign of the reverse die cracks that some business strikes and proofs alike exhibit." Ex: The Jim O'Neal Collection of U.S. Half Dollar Types
CAC - The Sole Finest Known. Ex: Bender Collection. This Premium Gem that exhibits virtually flawless ivory surfaces and lovely splashes of gold toning with virtually complete design definition on both sides.
CAC - "Blinding, chrome-like mirrors beam with a quick-silver, liquid mercury brilliance and reflection. The mirrors are deep and offer the utmost clarity and are the epitome of cleanliness! Neon gold and blue iridescent toning is dusted across the surfaces deeper at the peripheries and more untoned on the centers. The flashy fields really bring out all the beautiful colors, especially as you twirl the coin in a light. The sharply struck devices are glossy and stand out boldly." Ex: YOUNG-MADISON
"Caught with a white glove as it came off the dies, or so one would assume when you see the incredible clarity, resplendence, and perfect surfaces. Blinding brilliance and mirrors. Truly a delight to behold. Crisp devices are enhanced by thick layer of mint frost."
