1792 Half Disme Back at Auction after 13 Years

The finest certified 1792 half disme, known as the Rittenhouse Specimen, sold for $2.93 million at Heritage’s Official U.S. Coins GACC Signature Auction on October 8.

Until now, the Mint State (MS)-68 1792 half disme has not been offered at public auction since being encapsulated in a PCGS holder. It has been off the market in private hands for more than 13 years. During that period, the vibrantly toned coin was on exhibit at the ANA’s Chicago convention in 2013, at Mount Vernon in 2014-15, at the ANA’s Denver convention in 2017, and most recently, it was displayed at the ANA Edward C. Rochette Money Museum in Colorado Springs from 2018 to 2024.

“Brilliant mint luster in the obverse and reverse fields produces delightful field-to-device contrast on this example that features outstanding preservation and a commanding appearance,” states the lot description. “The rich natural patina is equally compelling with soft silver-gray that serves as a foundation for a display of rose, amber, gold, and vivid blue toning that enlivens as the coin is angled under a light source. Taken together, the exceptional state of preservation, energetic mint brilliance, colorful original patina, and distinctive production characteristics create a memorable specimen of uncommon visual and technical distinction.”

In addition to the 1792 half disme, the auction featured other rarities and fresh-to-the-market coins, including a discovery 1867-S half eagle (gold $5) in MS-63—the finest known by two grade points. To learn more about the sale, visit Heritage Auctions’ website.

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