Bids could reach $100,000 for ‘one of first circulated US silver coins’ in California

An example of a half disme coin, created in small numbers by Washington and Jefferson, is up for sale

Late last year, we reported on an intriguing space sale which was held by Ira and Larry Goldberg and included excellent highlights such as samples of lunar dust and a flown Apollo 17 flag.

Of course, the Goldberg's main expertise is in coins - they were given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Nusmismatic Society, for their contributions to the Numismatic Community - and this evening and tomorrow in California they are concluding a major sale of coins and currency.

One of the main highlights is from the infancy of an independent America.

A 1792 Half Disme (later dime) in Silver with Reeded Edge is PCGS graded AU-55 PQ. It displays very attractive glossy light steel and gunmetal grey colour with lustrous bright silver in the protected areas. Subtle bluish steel overtones enhance the eye appeal of this outstanding piece.

Half Disme coin

The obverse fields display a bit of reflectivity while the reverse fields are frosty. There are no marks on either side, just the barest hint of friction on the highest points of the portrait. The obverse is well centred on the planchet while the reverse is off a bit to the bottom, as usual.

The Half Disme has the distinction of being the first United States silver coin made for general circulation. George Washington provided the silver for these pieces, about $100 worth, that was used to produce approximately 1,500 of these tiny Half Dismes (the remainder of the silver apparently being scrap).

The planchets were prepared and delivered to the minting facility by Thomas Jefferson, and the coins were struck in the cellar of saw maker John Harper.

This lot offers an outstanding opportunity to own a truly beautiful example, which should make an excellent investment, and it is expected to sell for over $100,000.

Collectors interested in owning coins from Western history might also be interested to take a look at this example away from the auction, from a short-lived attempt to establish a silver coinage in Tudor England.

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www.paulfrasercollectibles.com

Images: Ira and Larry Goldberg