176
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Session Two - Monday, January 26, 2015 10:00 am
G
EM
T
ONED
P
ROOF
1856 H
ALF
D
IME
Enlargement
1157
1856
.
PCGS graded Proof 65 PQ.
CAC APPROVED.
Generally, the mintages of proof coins issued before 1858,
were not recorded at the time of production. Today, it is
well known that all mintage totals were extremely small,
and many of those have been lost or damaged over the
years. Breen estimated only 30 to 40 examples of the 1856
Seated Liberty half dime were still extant in 1989. This
sharply detailed Gem displays moderately reflective fields
under reddish-gold, violet, and sea-blue patina displayed in
a somewhat mottled fashion over both sides. A carefully
preserved specimen.
Pop 2; none finer at PCGS.
(
PCGS
# 4434
)
Estimated Value ...................................... $9,000 - 10,000
1158
1857-O
.
PCGS graded MS-66+ PQ.
CAC APPROVED.
By
the standards of the New Orleans Mint during the 1850s, the
1857-O half dime is actually a high-mintage issue with just over
1.3 million business strikes. Circulated examples are easy to
obtain in today's market, and even lower-end Mint State coins
can be had without a lot of difficulty, however, as a superior-
quality Gem, the piece that we are offering in this lot is in a
completely different category. Stunningly beautiful, each side is
well preserved and nearly pristine. Some noticeable mint-made
die clashing is noted on each side, however, this is entirely nor-
mal for the issue. Bright, satiny luster shimmers over snow-
white, completely untoned surfaces. Sharp-to-full in strike -- an
uncommon attribute for an O-mint coin from the 1850s -- with
not a single distracting abrasion to report.
Pop 2; 4 finer, 3 in
67, 1 in 68.
(
PCGS # 4366
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$4,500 - 4,800
I
MPORTANT
G
EM
C
AMEO
P
ROOF
1859
Enlargement
1159
1859
.
PCGS graded Proof 66 Cameo. PQ.
CAC
APPROVED.
An important one year hub type, the 1859
Seated half dime exhibits a slightly modified obverse design
with hollow center stars and a refined portrait of Liberty.
This design was superseded in 1860 by the Legend
Obverse type. In keeping with the rarity of all proof 1859
coins, the half dime is much more elusive than the mintage
of 800 pieces might imply. Many examples were unsold and
subsequently melted. A particularly fortunate survivor, this
high quality Gem fails to exhibit so much as a single dis-
tracting blemish on the surfaces. Lightly patinated with pale
golden toning which allows full appreciation of the bold
cameo contrast.
Pop 3; none finer at PCGS.
(
PCGS #
84438
)
Estimated Value .................................... $10,000 - 11,000
1160
1859
.
NGC graded MS-65
. Looks like a proof. Nicely toned.
Pop 28; 56 finer
.
Estimated Value ................................................... $700 - 750
1161
1862
.
PCGS graded MS-66
. Beautiful obverse toning in
shades of sea-green, mint-green, and lilac-gray; the reverse is
mostly brilliant. Smooth, satiny and boldly impressed, a delight-
ful high-grade Gem example of the type.
Pop 60; 71 finer
.
(
PCGS # 4381
)
Estimated Value ................................................... $750 - 800
The Agora Collection
.
1162
1862
.
NGC graded MS-65
. A lustrous Civil War era Gem
seated half dime with essentially untoned, partially reflective
surfaces. Sharply struck with an absence of usually-seen clash
marks. Excellent eye appeal overall.
Pop 93; 79 finer
.
Estimated Value ................................................... $500 - 550
