1808/7 50C AU58 Certification #30932762, PCGS #6091

O.101, R1. CAC. Ex-Davignon. Hammered! Sheridan Downey's catalog description: Ex Gerald Schertz. The surfaces, while virtually free of contact marks, feature a wonderful morass of die breaks and clash marks. Only a peacock might aspire to the range of iridescent colors that grab and hold the viewer’s eye. Keith purchased the coin from me in June 1994; it was part of the nearly complete die variety set of Dr. Gerald Schertz, BHNC #45. “Jerry” was a keen student of numismatics as well as the people, places, and cultures of planet Earth. He was also a close friend. We often traveled to exotic lands, including the Australian Outback, Antarctica, the Selous and Serengeti in Tanzania, Papua New Guinea and India. He was a brilliant medical oncologist, practicing in Roanoke, VA. Jerry died in November 2013, age 67. He was struck by a car while crossing the street after attending patients in the hospital. His passing was a tragedy for his wife, son, daughter and all who knew him.

Ron Guth

In 1808, mint employees took an old, unused die from 1807, punched an 8 over the 7, and began striking coins.  The result is Overton 101, the only overdated die variety of 1808.  The overdate is clearly visible, with the serif of the 7 visible on the left side of the top of the final 8; the horizontal bar and diagonal stem of the 7 can be seen inside the 8.

This is a common variety that can be found in nice condition up to, and including, MS65. The PCGS CoinFacts Condition Census of the ten best examples of this date includes nine examples that are MS64 or better, with MS65 being the best available grade.