| Description |
1856 50C PR65 NGC. WB-101. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. The mintage of 1856 proof Seated Liberty half dollars was not recorded, but it was undoubtedly small. Walter Breen believed the half dollar was the rarest proof denomination of the year, and the Wiley-Bugert reference estimates less than 25 examples survive in all grades today. NGC and PCGS have combined to certify a total of 36 coins in all grades, but there is an unknown number of resubmissions and crossovers in that total. Perhaps the PCGS Coin Facts estimate of 20-25 specimens extant is more accurate than the raw population data. This coin shows Walter Breen's proof diagnostics: Upright 5, centered date, foot supported, toe enclosed, full drapery, and the third line of the center stripe attenuated at the base. The design elements exhibit razor-sharp definition throughout and the deeply mirrored fields show no mentionable distractions. The seated figure of Liberty displays brilliant silver mint frost and the remaining surfaces are blanketed in spectacular cerulean-blue toning. Census: 5 in 65, 2 finer (10/13). Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $50.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $17,625.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com. |
