Lot 2955
1879 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 68. Lovely gold and blue obv. toning, while the reverse displays lovely blue toning. 1,100 proofs minted. Full glowing mint flash, an explosion of warmly hued colors. A Gem Proof of almost monumental surface perfection. Not even a hint of weakness is seen at the devices of this deservedly proud 1879 seated half dollar coin. It seems plain that the dies were spaced at exactly the right distance apart to prevent any weak metal flow in the key central regions. The designs are very strong for the date, even the stars are needle-sharp. Once a collector has shaken off the yoke of mediocrity that plagues the usual encapsulated Proof half dollar of this decade, others like this majestic Proof 68 1879 may soon become a part of the collection. Perhaps one day the collection ready for sale like this one, and a new generation of eager collectors will descend upon the auction with high hopes! Pop 3; none finer.
Events of 1879 include: The first telephone line connecting two American cities being strung between Boston and Lowell, Mass., forever after in direct communication. Also in 1879, A reporter cornered William H. Vanderbilt, head of the New York Central Railroad, demanding an interview and stating that the public was waiting for one. Vanderbilt brushed past him, snapping the immortal words, "The public be damned!" Finally this year, in his second effort to establish a low-priced shopping center, Frank W. Woolworth finally succeeded with a flourishing 5-and-10-cent store in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000.
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| Realized $12,650 |
