242
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Session Two - Monday, January 26, 2015 10:00 am
B
LUE
T
ONED
P
ROOF
D
OLLAR
1537
1855
.
PCGS graded Proof 64
. A highly elusive issue in
the early proof Seated dollar series, the 1855 was produced
before the Mint began to record yearly mintage figures for
specimen coinage. It is believed that about 60 pieces were
coined when U.S. proof coins (of all denominations) were
struck in very limited numbers for distribution to a handful
of collectors with close ties to Mint personnel. Of these,
most are believed to survive (40 to 60 examples, per the
PCGS website), but the issue is still among the most elusive
proof issues in the Seated dollar series. Due to the rarity of
high-grade business strikes of this date (heavily exported
for trade purposes and presumably later melted), surviving
proof examples, such as this piece, are in high demand
among date collectors.
Both sides of this example are decorated in remarkable tur-
quoise-blue iridescence with violet and champagne accents
as the coin turns under a light. Underlying mint brilliance is
easy seen as the surfaces are rotated, and all angles readily
reveal pinpoint striking detail to the devices. Free of individ-
ually conspicuous contact marks, as well, with an overall
smooth appearance that readily upholds the near-Gem
grade!
Pop 8; 3 finer, 2 in 65, 1 in 66.
(
PCGS # 6998
)
Estimated Value .................................... $20,000 - 22,000
1538
1859-O
.
PCGS graded MS-61
. Bright and essentially
untoned with just a hint of patina at the outermost areas. This
one exhibits a better than average strike and just a few minor
nicks and grazes on each side. (
PCGS # 6947
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$1,800 - 1,900
G
EM
P
ROOF
1860 L
IBERTY
S
EATED
D
OLLAR
1539
1860
.
PCGS graded Proof 66
. Well struck with outstand-
ing eye-appeal thoughout. A marvelous pre-civil war proof
dollar that should stir considerable bidder attention. Natural
blue and golden toning on both sides. Only 1,330 struck.
Pop 9; none finer at PCGS.
(
PCGS # 7003
)
Estimated Value .................................... $20,000 - 25,000
1540
1860-O
.
PCGS graded MS-62 PQ.
CAC APPROVED.
Nicely
reflective surfaces are covered with attractive blue-green toning
in a somewhat mottled fashion. The center of the reverse is
nearly brilliant. Fairly well defined with a number of typical
abrasions overall. (
PCGS # 6950
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$2,500 - 2,600
G
EM
T
ONED
P
ROOF
1863 D
OLLAR
1541
1863
.
PCGS graded Proof 65
. A lovely example with
original toning that is generally seen only on coins that
were stored as complete sets for many decades, if not a
century, past their original sale. Mottled cobalt-blue and
peach-gold toning lightly blankets the obverse, while the
reverse exhibits brilliant turquoise-blue and gray color in a
somewhat irregular fashion that is deeper on the right side.
Satiny devices and nicely reflective fields shine on both
sides. There were 460 proof examples struck for collectors
this year and survivors are not unusual in lower grades.
Gems, however, are very scarce and rarely seen with beau-
tiful original toning as found here.
Pop 6; 9 finer, 8 in 66,
1 in 66+.
(
PCGS # 7006
)
Estimated Value .................................... $12,000 - 13,000
