1833 1/2C, BN PR(PCGS#1198)

1833 1/2C, BN PR (PCGS#1198)

August 2020 U.S. Coins Auction

Losbeschreibung: 1833 Classic Head Half Cent. C-1. Rarity-5, as a Proof. Proof-62 BN (PCGS). The icy reflectivity in the fields frames sharp devices that boast a particularly satiny texture to Liberty's portrait. Toned in plum and powder-blue iridescence that glows under a light source. An area of thicker patina is noted at the H of HALF on the reverse. Faint hairlines in the fields are well hidden and the eye appeal remains strong for this grade level. Only a single die pairing is known for the 1833 Classic Head half cent and it was used to strike both Proofs and circulation strikes. The Proofs were undoubtedly produced first. Exactly how many of these specially prepared coins were struck is unknown since Mint personnel did not record the mintages of Proof coins during that era. Rick Coleman included only five examples in his census, while Walter Breen (1983) estimated that "at least fifty proofs [sic] survive" and went on to opine, "These may have been made in large quantities to celebrate the opening of the new Mint, which commenced in January, 1833." PCGS CoinFacts provides an estimate of 30 to 40 coins extant in all grades. PCGS Population: 3; 16 finer. PCGS# 1198. NGC ID: 2239. Click here for certification details from PCGS.