58
|
Half Dimes/Dimes
S
UPERB
G
EM
1859 S
EATED
H
ALF
D
IME
Enlargement
308
1859
.
NGC graded MS-68
. Wonderful rainbow toning on
both sides. Boldly struck.
Pop 4; none finer at NGC
.
Estimated Value .................................... $10,000 - 11,000
G
EM
P
ROOF
C
AMEO
1859 S
EATED
H
ALF
D
IME
Enlargement
309
1859
.
PCGS graded Proof 66 Cameo
. Lovely obverse
rainbow toning. Only 800 minted. Both sides exhibit moder-
ate cameo contrast with fully and deeply mirrored fields
beneath champagne, sea-green, cobalt-blue, and iridescent
toning. Obviously the Valentine-8 variety described by
Breen: "8's have a rather soft, indefinite appearance, as
does lower part of the 5." The entire figure of Liberty has a
similar soft appearance, suggesting a worn obverse die.
The reverse is crisp and sharply defined.
Pop 2; none
finer at PCGS
. (
PCGS # 84438
)
Estimated Value ...................................... $9,000 - 10,000
Enlargement
310
1859
.
NGC graded Proof 66
. Fully white proof. Only 800
struck. In 1859 the Philadelphia Mint experimented with switch-
ing the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA from the reverse
to the obverse. Barring a few Patterns, all 1859 Half Dimes have
the legend on the reverse, while all 1860 issues have it on the
obverse. A white, untoned Gem Proof, as crisp and lustrous as
when it was first issued. Probably a good many are not as care-
fully struck or well preserved as this handsome coin, with no
suggestion or even a whisper of weakness at the main devices.
The Mint had begun regular production of Proofs only the year
before, and it is believed that about 800 pieces were struck in
that format for 1859.
Pop 16; 8 finer, 7 in 67, 1 in 68
.
Estimated Value ..............................................$3,500 - 3,800
311
1863
.
PCGS graded Proof 65 Cameo
. Mostly untoned. A
dazzling bright and needle-sharp Gem! Interestingly, the U.S.
mint retained its old screw press in this period for use in striking
Proof coins. The press gave the dies a strong, forceful
"squeeze", and thereby imparted finer detail than on the faster
steam-operated press in day-to-day use in the 1860s. Only 460
Proofs struck.
Pop 6; 4 finer in 66.
(
PCGS # 84446
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$1,600 - 1,650
312
1863
.
NGC graded Proof 65
. Only 460 minted. Well struck
with natural toning on both sides.
Pop 11; 9 finer, 5 in 66, 1
in 66+, 2 in 67, 1 in 67 Star
.
Estimated Value ..............................................$1,100 - 1,200
313
1864
.
PCGS graded Proof 64.
CAC Approved
.
PQ.
Lovely
light golden toning. Housed in an Old Green holder. Only 470
Proofs struck.
Pop 45; 32 finer, 24 in 65, 5 in 66, 3 in 67.
(
PCGS # 4447
)
Estimated Value ................................................... $600 - 650
