1792 Half Disme: Multi-Million Dollar Coin Rich in History
The world surrounding numismatics brims with rare coins that have become outrageously expensive auction lots. One example is the 1792 Half Disme, where some of the specimens have been sold for close to $800,000. Moreover, other numerous coins have added above $47 million all together in auction sales. This article goes through the historical background, some unique features, and all those things that have conspired to make these numismatic treasures imperative.
1792 Half Disme: America’s First Coinage
Historical Importance
The 1792 Half Disme has a special status in American history as one of the earliest coins minted by the U.S. government. The Coinage Act of 1792 authorized the coins to be struck in a makeshift mint constructed in the cellar of a saw maker’s shop in Philadelphia. President George Washington is reputed to have contributed the silverware used for the making of these coins, a fact which underscores their historical significance.
Specifications and Design
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Obverse Design | Depicts Lady Liberty facing left, symbolizing freedom and democracy. |
Reverse Design | Features a small eagle, representing the fledgling nation. |
Composition | Approximately 89% silver and 11% copper. |
Weight | 1.35 grams. |
Diameter | 16.5 mm. |
Edge | Reeded. |
Craft and Design.
The 1792 half disme was designed to be strange and beautiful in keeping with the novelty of the coin. It shows Lady Liberty, however, with her legs crossed in a seated position and holding a shield and a liberty cap within a wreath of 13 stars, referring to the original 13 states of the United States. A shield bears a liberty cap above it and is surrounded by a wreath, and the words “CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOL” are inscribed.
Historical Auction Prices
The rarity and historical appeal of 1792 Half Disme also led to very impressive auction results. A specimen graded AU55 by NGC auctioned for $824,850, while another specimen graded AU50 fetched $998,750. All this proves that the locality has become one of the most desirable coins among collectors and investors.
Still More Other Rare Coins That Surpass $47 Million
Other Favorite Coins
Besides the 1792 Half Disme, quite a number of additional coins had record auction prices that in total surpassed $47 million. Examples of such coins are:
1792 Birch Cent (Judd-4): Among the earliest designs for the U.S. cent, one specimen graded MS65★ Red and Brown by NGC sold for $2.585 million.
1792 Silver Center Cent (Judd-1): Experimental piece having a silver plug at the center, for the bimetallic standard that was proposed. High grade sold for $1.15 million.
1792 Disme (Judd-10): Another early pattern coin, it was sold for $998,750 graded AU50.
1861 Confederate Half Dollar: One of only four known examples sold for $881,250 graded PR30.
1792 Quarter Dollar (Judd-13): One of four known examples; graded AU58, it sold for $1.26 million.
1776 Continental Dollar: One of the most historically important coins; high-grade examples bring terrific prices in auction.
Auction Totals Combined
The combined auction results from these six coins now number greater than $47 million, and such indicates very contested shades among collectors as reflected by the example. For example, almost $26 million in the first part was brought in with the Partrick Collection, which had much of these coins.
Valuation Factors
There are several factors that propel these coins to such astronomical values:
Rarity: As with a low mintage or some special historical circumstance under which these coins were born, it renders them extremely rare.
Historical Importance: The coins are linked either to very important events or are associated with `great’ personalities; such coins are likely to be of greater interest.
Condition: Coins in the higher grades will also bring much higher prices if free of wear and with strong eye appeal.
Provenance: A well-cataloged provenance makes a coin even more desirable and valuable.
Conclusion
The 1792 Half Disme along with some of the other early American coins was more than mere currency; it was a solid connection to the formative, building years of the country. Regarding their scarcity, historicity, and the tales they tell, these coins are in high demand within the numismatic community. Their auction results show how much attraction these coins have even for collectors and investors.