Lot 441
1854 Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded Proof 65. Nice even toning on both sides. Well struck. A sharply detailed example of this key three year only type. Both the obverse and reverse show the full design engraved into the dies. Liberty's figure is bold and clear along with the stars and hair, and not to be overlooked is the wreath on the reverse, which is just as sharp and shows full inner definition. Well toned overall with a muted steel to dusky blue hue that includes some iridescence. Originality and freshness like this spring to mind when examining World Class coins of the past, and clearly this 1854 Proof Half Dime belongs in that classification.
This is a very rare issue in Proof. The precise mintage of Proof Half Dimes struck in 1854 is unknown. Breen simply stated in his Proofs encyclopedia that they were very rare. The Pittman cataloger, when that example was sold, gave his opinion that 15 to 20 survived, a view that is generally held among specialists. Pop 4; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 4432) .
Estimated Value $11,000 - 13,000.
The Mark Gordon Collection.
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| Realized $10,925 |
