Lot 230
1850 Braided Hair Half Cent. . C-1. ANACS graded Proof 60 Brown, and Del Bland graded MS-60. With a long narrow line of planchet roughness along the denticles on the upper obverse and around the reverse. Medium dark steel brown with a few tiny spots on the obverse and a hairline scratch on the bust. Sharply struck but lacking the full radial lines in the stars necessary to qualify as a proof.
This coin presents a conundrum. A single set of dies was used to coin both proofs (two die states no less!) and uncirculated coins. While the graders at ANACS certified this coin as a Proof, noted copper expert Del Bland viewed the coin and graded it Mint State-60. The surfaces are not as reflective as they should be, and one or two stars show slight weakness at the centers, further there is no fin, or knife rim, commonly seen on Proofs of the era. Once again, experts differ in their opinions, so buyers need to make up their own minds. View it carefully to decide for yourself, and as always take a moment to learn something about grading coins.
Estimated Value $1,750 - 2,000.
Ex: Superior Galleries 10/89:898 as "Proof-63".
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| Realized $2,818 |
