NNP

1833 1/2 C C-1, B-1, R.5 as a Proof, PR64 Red and Brown PCGS. Our EAC Grade PR60. A sharp strike appears on a mirrored planchet on this Choice proof, showing intermingled pinkish-orange, emerald-green, and chocolate-brown patina. Variety: C-1, B-1. Breen Die State IV. There is only one die variety known for 1833 half cents, used for both proofs and business strikes. A heavy die crack joins the inner points of stars 5 and 6, extending through most other stars on the left side, continuing upward through star 7 and into the field at about 11 o'clock. The crack extends in the other direction until it fades out at star 2. No evidence of die clashing appears. Population Data (3/15): PCGS enumerates 25 proof 1833 half cents in all, including one PR64 Red and Brown, five finer Red and Brown pieces, and a single PR65 Red. NGC adds 15 submissions, bringing the certified total to 40. Heritage Commentary: Considerable printed discussion in recent years centers around the identification of proof 1833 half cents, compared to prooflike pieces. Walter Breen rated proofs R.5 in 1983, while more recently Richard T. Coleman has suggested that true proofs are extremely rare with less than half a dozen known. The true population is likely somewhere between those extremes. Provenance: 65th Anniversary Sale (Stack's, 10/2000), lot 41.