Lot 2766
1836 Capped Bust Half Dollar. Reeded edge. PCGS graded Proof 60. PCGS #04499896. A popular coin. Lightly toned on both sides. Old green holder. A bold quality specimen seemingly better than its modest Proof 60 grade, and of one of the more historic U.S. coins in terms of the Mint's first production using steam operated coining presses. Reflective fields on both obverse and reverse are finely overlaid with toning and there are no marks. The devices are lightly frosted on both sides to give a noticeable contrast. Razor-sharp: each device stands out squarely and forcefully on this rare Proof, a coin intended to symbolize the highest coining art of the time. Just the centers of the last two stars a tiny bit flat but still showing full radial definition elsewhere.
This is Gobrecht's handiwork, the engraver who took over the task of producing Mint dies after his superior, William Kneass, the chief engraver at the Philadelphia Mint suffered a stroke in 1835. Perhaps 10 to 15 examples were struck as Proofs, while a few other strikes show prooflike tendencies but their weak character gives them away as business strikes. A Proof of this era is something out of the ordinary, one to celebrate as a special occasion. Those who are fortunate to be able to examine this coin with a magnifying glass, close up, first-hand, will quickly appreciate its beauty. Pop 1; 10 finer, 1 in 62, 4 in 63, 5 in 64 (PCGS # 6223) .
Estimated Value $20,000 - 22,000.
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| Realized $26,400 |
