226
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Session Two - Monday, January 26, 2015 10:00 am
1450
1895
.
PCGS graded Proof 66 Cameo.
CAC APPROVED.
Soft golden-russet colors decorate the borders and encircle the
essentially untoned centers of this fully struck and well pre-
served example. Only 880 proofs were coined, and high grade
Cameo examples are too few in number to satisfy the collectors
of this popular series.
Pop 10; 8 finer
. (
PCGS # 86542
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$3,200 - 3,400
W
ONDERFUL
1895-S H
ALF
1451
1895-S
.
PCGS graded MS-66
. A semi key-date issue
among Barber halves, the 1895-S has a not overly gener-
ous original mintage of just 1.1 million pieces. As with most
deliveries of this type, the '95-S is typically offered well
worn, and Mint State examples, when offered at all, are sel-
dom in the Gem category, let alone an MS-66. This softly
frosted condition rarity displays modest, yet appreciable
cartwheel visual effects as the surfaces rotate under a light.
Some rich reddish-golden and lilac tinting is seen, and even
the most casual glance will reveal sharp striking definition
over all elements of the design. There are a couple of tiny
abrasions on the obverse, but these are not out of context
for a Barber half dollar at the MS-66 grade level.
Pop 4; 2
finer in 67.
(
PCGS # 6473
)
Estimated Value .................................... $11,000 - 12,000
1452
1898
.
NGC graded MS-64
. Frosty and lustrous, the mottled
reddish-gold surfaces exhibit sea-green highlights at the border
areas. Sharply struck throughout. A small indentation and a
couple of tiny marks are noted on the portrait's cheek.
Pop 29;
20 finer, 3 in 64+, 15 in 65, 2 in 66.
Estimated Value ..............................................$1,100 - 1,200
T
IED
F
OR
F
INEST
1900 P
ROOF
H
ALF
1453
1900
.
NGC graded Proof 68 Cameo
. A cameo finish is
highly desirable in a proof Barber half dollar of any date,
and this popular turn-of-the-century specimen also offers
extremely smooth, essentially perfect surfaces that are sol-
idly graded as Superb. It also possesses a marked contrast
between the fields and devices as if it had recently been
struck at Philadelphia. Fully defined overall, one wonders
how it has remained virtually untouched and undamaged
for 115 years. This one should sell for a record bid.
Pop 3;
none finer at NGC. Tied for the finest graded at both
services.
Estimated Value .................................... $14,000 - 15,000
1454
1901
.
NGC graded MS-62
. Lightly toned with a certain
reflective quality in the fields. Desirable as a BU specimen.
Pop
37; 90 finer at NGC.
Estimated Value ................................................... $550 - 600
1903 B
ARBER
H
ALF
D
OLLAR
1455
1903
.
PCGS graded MS-65
. The 1903 is a highly under-
rated Barber half date and is much rarer in high grades
than one might expect for a P-mint issue with a respectable
mintage of 2.2 million pieces. This frosty Gem is mostly bril-
liant with just a hint of natural patina over each side.
Smooth, lustrous, and sharply struck, we can find no fault
with this coin in the context of the MS-65 designation from
PCGS. Worthy of a close examination and a strong bid.
Pop
6; 6 finer, 1 in 65+, 5 in 66.
(
PCGS # 6495
)
Estimated Value ........................................ $5,000 - 5,500
