Lot 472
1839 Liberty Seated Half Dime. NGC graded Proof 64. This is an incredibly beautiful and ultra rare example of this early proof issue. We were able to track it down to the Bowers and Merena sale of June, 2000. Prior to that, this coin hadn't been offered in over 110 years! Toned with shades of ocean deep blue with hints of lighter gold around the periphery. Naturally, the strike is intense, with no signs of weakness anywhere to be found. Breen estimates that 4 are known, which is probably about right, as 4 have been graded by the services (NGC has graded 3 as PF-64, and PCGS has graded 1 as PR-65). This particular coin was not recorded by Breen, as it hadn't turned up in his lifetime or recently enough to trace.
Bowers notes that this coin was purchased by an attorney from Vicksburg, Mississippi from a Chapman Brothers sale in the 1890s, and held in that collection until it was sold in June 2000. Certain to be the highlight of any early proof collection.
The 39 in the date is repunched, as noted in Breen.
Estimated Value $22,500 - 27,500.
From Bowers and Merena's June 2000 sale, lot 423.
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