1859 50C PR(PCGS#6413)

November 2019 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1364

Grade

PR63

Price

1,800

Lot Description

1859 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Proof-63 (PCGS). Distinctive target toning on the obverse is dusky rose at the center, electric blue around the mid-fields, and pale peach at the peripheries. The reverse mostly in a slightly mottled light russet, with vivid undertones of powder blue evident around the periphery as the coin dips into a light. Fully struck with nicely mirrored fields. A thin, arcing strikethrough in the upper reverse field is as made. The 1859 is the first Proof half dollar with a recorded mintage, a total of 800 pieces produced, setting a record up to that point in time and reflecting the Mint's belief that its earliest efforts at marketing these coins to contemporary collectors would result in strong sales. In reality, however, sales proved disappointing and much of the mintage remained unsold, the coins eventually disposed of by being placed into circulation. With survivors much scarcer than the mintage might imply, the significance of this beautifully toned Proof-63 can hardly be overstated. PCGS# 6413. NGC ID: 27TJ. Click here for certification details from PCGS.