Pre-Long Beach US - page 187

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Dimes GEM PROOF 1856 SMALL DATE SEATED DIME
Enlargement
1184 1856. Small Date. Doubled Die Obverse. Greer-105. .
PCGS graded Proof 65. All known 1856 proof Seated
dimes feature small digits in the date. This seems to be the
only recorded obverse die for the issue, and it is probably
the only one used by the Philadelphia Mint for proofs. This
theory seems likely since the original mintage for the proof
1856 was undoubtedly small and easily achieved with a sin-
gle die marriage. While the Mint did not record exactly how
many proof dimes were struck in 1856, Bowers estimates
that approximately 35 specimens are extant. Gorgeous
deep gunmetal-blue and other natural toning spans both
sides and the underlying reflectivity is clear. The strike is
bold with each of the stars on the obverse and Liberty's
curls sharp, as is the entire reverse. This Gem proof exam-
ple is certain to delight any specialist of this series. This one
is in the Condition Census for technical quality and even
more desirable for its attractive toning. Pop 2; 3 finer, 2
in 66, 1 in 67. (PCGS # 4745)
Estimated Value ...................................... $9,000 - 10,000
REMARKABLY PRESERVED 1857 GEM CAMEO
PROOF SEATED DIME
Enlargement
1185 1857. PCGS graded Proof 66 Cameo. CAC
APPROVED. This glittering example is the result of an
unknown, although obviously limited mintage -- PCGS esti-
mates just 70 examples coined. It was not until the follow-
ing year,1858, that the Philadelphia Mint increased yearly
proof production with the intent of marketing such pieces
to the contemporary collecting public. The proof 1857 Lib-
erty Seated dime was prepared almost exclusively for pre-
sentation or other official purposes, and also for distribution
to a handful of collectors with close ties to Mint personnel.
The current PCGS Population Report accounts for approxi-
mately 30-50 examples of this issue in numismatic hands.
Ranking among the finest certified, this snow-white Gem is
free of both toning and detracting blemishes. Sharply
struck from the dies, and also possessed of marked field to
device contrast that readily upholds the validity of the
Cameo designation from PCGS. Truly outstanding. Pop 2;
none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 84746)
Estimated Value .................................... $15,000 - 16,000
GEM CAMEO PROOF 1858 SEATED DIME
1186 1858. PCGS graded Proof 65 Cameo PQ. CAC
APPROVED. The year 1858 marked the first time the Mint
began large scale distribution of proof coinage to fledging
collectors of the time. This remarkable proof dime still sur-
vives from a small, but unknown mintage. Estimates of pro-
duction vary between 100 coins (PCGS) and 300+ coins
( Guidebook). A well-struck Gem, this piece exhibits appeal-
ing contrast between the fields and the devices. Areas of
toning, primarily at the outer edges, include hues of orange
and golden-brown. The fields are nicely reflective and there
are no mentionable contact marks. Pop 1; 1 finer in 66.
(PCGS # 84747)
Estimated Value ........................................ $6,000 - 6,500
SUPERB CAMEO PROOF 1859 SEATED DIME
Enlargement
1187 1859. PCGS graded Proof 67 Cameo. A frosty and par-
tially brilliant portrait of Liberty sits amid a reflective field
that displays wisps of rich gold, crimson, russet, and tur-
quoise-blue iridescence that deepens toward the rim. The
reverse is a study in lilac-gray and gunmetal-blue that is
displayed in a mottled fashion. Random die artifacts are
noted near the tips of most stars. The Guide Booklists a
proof mintage for the date of 800 pieces, while Breen's
Encyclopedia(1988) notes: "Many of the Proofs were
melted as unsold, or spent." An exceptional specimen. Pop
3; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 84748)
Estimated Value .................................... $20,000 - 22,000
1188 1870. NGC graded Proof 64. Dusky golden-gray and blue-
green toning flashes with purple and crimson when examined
under a light. The surfaces are well preserved for the grade,
and the strike is bold. Housed in an Old Style Holder. Pop 56;
36 finer, 20 in 65, 11 in 66, 2 in 66 Star, 2 in 67. (PCGS #
4763)
Estimated Value ................................................... $450 - 500