1876 50C, CAM PR(PCGS#86437)

1876 50C, CAM PR (PCGS#86437)

The January 2011 Tampa Bay Rarities Sale

Lot Description: 1876 Seated Liberty Half Dollar. Proof-66+ Cameo (PCGS). CAC. Secure Holder. Struck during the centennial year of the United States' independence, the proof 1876 Half Dollar has a generous mintage of 1,150 pieces that reflects the Mint's anticipation of above-average sales to the contemporary public. We suspect that most of the coins struck were sold, but since many went to non-numismatists seeking a keepsake from the nation's centennial year, the 1876 is scarce-to-rare in the finest grades. Few survivors were preserved with the care that is normally lavished upon such treasures by dedicated coin collectors.<br />     Remarkably smooth with nary a detracting blemish in evidence, both sides of this coin allow ready appreciation of deeply mirrored fields and satin-textured devices. This is even the case despite the prevalence of gorgeous target toning on the obverse. The reverse is largely brilliant, but there is a halo of warm blue and tannish-gray colors at the border. A delightful specimen that ranks as the single finest- certified proof 1876 Half Dollar known to PCGS.