1864 50C, CAM PR(PCGS#86418)

1864 50C, CAM PR (PCGS#86418)

Winter 2022 U.S. Coins Auction

Lot Description: Breathtaking Proof 1864 Half Dollar 1864 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Proof-66 Cameo (NGC). A gorgeous upper end Gem with halos of cobalt blue and reddish-gold peripheral iridescence framing both sides, the colors a bit uneven on the reverse, where brilliance is seen at the lower right border. Untoned centers allow full appreciation of a boldly cameoed finish that sports strong contrast between mirrored fields and frosty motifs. Fully struck, as befits the method of manufacture, and expertly preserved to approach numismatic perfection. The 1864 half dollar is one of the widely exported and heavily melted circulation strike issues from the Civil War, and as such is one of the scarcest Philadelphia Mint issues of the No Motto Liberty Seated type. This, of course, puts date pressure on the extant Proofs, adding to their desirability to collectors. This is one of the finest survivors from a mintage of 470 Proofs, a coin that would serve as a highlight in any cabinet. NGC Census: 1 with a single Proof-67 Cameo finer in this category. PCGS has yet to certify a single example finer than Proof-65 in the Cameo category. PCGS# 86418. NGC ID: 27TR. Click here for certification details from NGC.