Lot 350
1830 Capped Bust Half Dime. . Val-5. NGC graded Proof 66. An extremely rare coin in Proof, only a few are known, and to find one in such superlative condition is simply amazing. Only 3 have been graded by the two grading services, this is the finest seen, with PCGS having one as PR-65, and NGC has another as PF-64. The surfaces are bright and flashy, with a touch of gold to show some age, and each of the devices is well frosted. Perhaps traceable by a tiny speck at the rim just left of the date, and a bit more golden toning on the reverse. In NGC holder #564264-004. Deeply mirrored fields provide the contrast which makes these proofs so distinctive, and this coin boasts abundant eye appeal.
Curiously, these early proofs were hit or miss. Some years, like 1829, quite a few were coined, PCGS estimates 30, then in 1830 mintages really tailed off, with perhaps 10 struck at most. Dies were simply polished up and a proof coin or two was stamped out. In this case, the reverse die already showed signs of wear when this proof was coined, with the tops of S1 and S2 both filled, as well as the left side of the M, and rim crumbling is noted near the arrowheads. The obverse die appears to be an early die state, and Liberty herself is well frosted and shows faint die lines that would soon be worn away as more coins were struck. Well mirrored fields and a true connoisseurs coin.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000.
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| Realized $23,173 |
