Lot 2275
1856 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 65 Premium Quality. The Garrett/Pryor coin. First off, the mintage of 1856 proof half dollars is very low, perhaps 25 pieces were struck although mintages of proofs weren't recorded with the same precision as in later years. This particular one is not only a gem, but also has a fantastic pedigree. Further, it is toned with magnificent blue and gold toning on both sides, which greatly adds to the visual appeal. As noted in Breen's Proof Encyclopedia, the reverse die shows "top of first red stripe hollow" which may be a different reverse die from other known proofs, which this coin clearly shows. We also note some die lines below the 1 in the date. Proofs were struck from specially polished dies, which were first dipped in a light acid which etched the surfaces slightly (creating the "frost" on the devices), then the fields were polished to a mirror smoothness. Coins were then struck with the prepared new dies, and sold to collectors or dignitaries as requested.
As to the number graded, NGC has graded 2 this high, with 1 graded higher (PF-66), and two others higher as PF-67 Cameo, and PCGS has only graded 1 example as high as PR-65. Hence, this is certainly one of the very finest known of this extremely rare coin. This particular one is identifiable by a tiny speck below her foot in the field right of the date, and is currently in NGC holder #348899-001.
Estimated Value $12,500 - 15,000.
Ex: B. Max Mehl, March 13, 1920, later from Bowers and Ruddy's Garrett Collection Sale, November 28-29, 1979, lot 344, and later from Bowers & Merena's sale of the James Bennett Pryor Collection, January 25, 1996: lot 152 and from the Michael Riordan collection.
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| Realized $23,575 |
