Eric P. Newman Collection, Part IX

1925-S 50C California -- Improperly Cleaned -- NGC Details. Unc. The quintessential icons of California grace both sides of this coin, issued to commemorative the 75th anniversary of the state's admission into the Union in 1850. The obverse depicts a Gold Rush prospector panning for gold. A grizzly bear, the state emblem, appears on the reverse. Although cleaned at some point many years ago, the surfaces have since developed pleasing peripheral rainbow toning. Notably free of major abrasions. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15472, realized $192. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1925 50C Vancouver -- Harshly Cleaned -- NGC Details. Unc. Rivi?re du Loup, Quebec native, physician, North West Company partner, and later Hudson Bay Company trader Dr. John McLoughlin founded Fort Vancouver, Washington in 1825 -- an event commemorated by these half dollars. Although 50,028 examples were originally minted, only 14,994 pieces were distributed. This representative has the sharpness of an Uncirculated coin, but both sides show evidence of a harsh cleaning in the form of myriad hairlines. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15471, realized $288. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1925 50C Vancouver -- Harshly Cleaned -- NGC Details. Unc. Rivi?re du Loup, Quebec native, physician, North West Company partner, and later Hudson Bay Company trader Dr. John McLoughlin founded Fort Vancouver, Washington in 1825 -- an event commemorated by these half dollars. Although 50,028 examples were originally minted, only 14,994 pieces were distributed. This representative has the sharpness of an Uncirculated coin, but both sides show evidence of a harsh cleaning in the form of myriad hairlines. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15471, realized $288. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1925 50C Stone Mountain AU55 NGC. The first coins from this issue, which would eventually exceed 2.3 million pieces, were struck on January 21, 1925 -- the 101st anniversary of the birth of Stonewall Jackson. These Stone Mountain commemorative half dollars represented an attempt to generate additional funding for the famous carving outside Atlanta. Ultimately, more than 1.3 million coins were sold for $1 apiece. Partial frosty luster remains over minimally toned surfaces. This Choice AU half dollar displays good detail with normal friction for the grade. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15470, realized $63. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1925 50C Stone Mountain AU55 NGC. The first coins from this issue, which would eventually exceed 2.3 million pieces, were struck on January 21, 1925 -- the 101st anniversary of the birth of Stonewall Jackson. These Stone Mountain commemorative half dollars represented an attempt to generate additional funding for the famous carving outside Atlanta. Ultimately, more than 1.3 million coins were sold for $1 apiece. Partial frosty luster remains over minimally toned surfaces. This Choice AU half dollar displays good detail with normal friction for the grade. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15470, realized $63. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1925 50C Lexington MS65 NGC. Unlike so many commemorative half dollars issued to "celebrate" various anniversaries of dubious significance, the 1925 Battle of Lexington and Concord half dollars actually memorialize a significant moment in this country's history. The obverse features an archetypal minuteman, while the reverse shows the Old Belfry in Lexington, which sounded the alarm summoning the militia to action upon the arrival of the British forces. Brilliant with radiant frosty luster, this Gem enjoys good definition and minimal field chatter. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15469, realized $240. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1925 50C Lexington MS65 NGC. Unlike so many commemorative half dollars issued to "celebrate" various anniversaries of dubious significance, the 1925 Battle of Lexington and Concord half dollars actually memorialize a significant moment in this country's history. The obverse features an archetypal minuteman, while the reverse shows the Old Belfry in Lexington, which sounded the alarm summoning the militia to action upon the arrival of the British forces. Brilliant with radiant frosty luster, this Gem enjoys good definition and minimal field chatter. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15469, realized $240. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1924 50C Huguenot -- Rev Improperly Cleaned -- NGC Details. Unc. This issue commemorates the settlement of Huguenots and Walloons at the New Netherland colony in New York. However, the portraits of Admiral Gaspard de Coligny and William the Silent relate to the French Wars of Religion rather the 1624 landing. A total of 142,000 coins were sold, plus 80 coins for assaying. Both sides are brilliant with frosty luster and light border toning. NGC notes that the reverse is improperly cleaned, signs of which are not overly apparent. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15468, realized $61. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1924 50C Huguenot -- Rev Improperly Cleaned -- NGC Details. Unc. This issue commemorates the settlement of Huguenots and Walloons at the New Netherland colony in New York. However, the portraits of Admiral Gaspard de Coligny and William the Silent relate to the French Wars of Religion rather the 1624 landing. A total of 142,000 coins were sold, plus 80 coins for assaying. Both sides are brilliant with frosty luster and light border toning. NGC notes that the reverse is improperly cleaned, signs of which are not overly apparent. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15468, realized $61. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

1923-S 50C Monroe -- Improperly Cleaned -- NGC Details. Unc. The profiles of James Monroe and John Quincy Adams, both instrumental in the establishment of the Monroe Doctrine, are seen on the obverse. Two female figures represent North and South America on the reverse. Los Angeles had no relevance to the Monroe Doctrine, but rather was the site of the First Annual American Historical Revue and Motion Picture Industry Exposition, where these coins were distributed. Each side is virtually brilliant, save for a few specks of golden-russet color on the obverse. Shimmering luster glows throughout. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15467, realized $31. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.