Lot 32. 1815/2 Capped Bust Half Dollar PCGS 45 O-101 R-2 Ex. Benson

Being the “key date” of the Bust Half series this coin was undoubtedly chosen as a color-plate coin for the Benson catalogue because of its spectacular obverse crescent toning comprised of blood- orange, concord-grape, blueberry and lemon-lime effervescence. Mouthwatering indeed. The catalogue notes that Dr. Benson acquired this gem from Ira S. Reed on June 3, 1944 for the princely sum of $16.00! The truth of the matter is that while long considered the key of the series, examples are typically around and available. What is not to often seen is a toned example, let alone a wildly toned one like this specimen. It is often said that sets are judged by the key date coins, and if that is the case this coin should not be ignored.