Lot 2938
1870 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 64. Lovely blue and golden toning. Well struck. 1,000 proofs minted. This is a radiant toned Proof, both sides being essentially matched for their peripheral color and with lightly frosted, silver-white luster on the devices. Deep, swirling mirrors surround with only a random hairline or two present. As we see it, when it comes to the centers of the obverse and reverse, the strike is above-average, sharp, and well defined in all areas, including both shields and all of the eagle's feathers, although some lack of detailing in the vertical stripes of the reverse shield may point to excessive die polishing at the time the die was being prepared for use. Pop 46; 11 in 65; 4 in 66. (PCGS # 6428) .
Many collectors like to associate their numismatic interest with what was going on in the country when their coins were struck. Having that in mind, 1870 was a cheerless year for the Southern states as it saw the death of their beloved General Robert E. Lee. His passing was like a door silently closing on one era and another opening onto the next. This next was America's rocket ride to industrial prominence and glory in the ensuing quarter century, but the South, which Lee epitomized, would languish under the iron fist of the carpetbaggers and "Reconstruction" for agonizing years longer.
Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,800.
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| Realized $2,070 |
