Lot 717
1852-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 62. It is not known why the New Orleans Mint decided to coin 3 proofs in 1852, but they did. Here is one of them, it has clean surfaces for the grade, and the coin is toned a radiant golden color, with extremely sharp device detail throughout. Liberty's foot is not supported, as noted in Breen, and the die file marks are visible below UNIT to the eagle's wing. We note a small tick mark in the reverse field left of the point of the eagle's beak, and this should help in tracing the pedigree. The first and third stripes in the shield show areas of weakness, at the top and bottom respectively, again confirming this coins status as a proof. A single coin has been graded by NGC, none by PCGS. Breen notes all 3 were "poorly cleaned".
All branch mint proof issues are extremely rare. They were coined sporadically apparently for special occasions. Perhaps these were coined as the last of their kind before the planchet weight was changed, and arrows added to the dies in 1853. Whatever the reason, here is a beautiful example of this extremely rare proof issue.
Estimated Value $20,000-UP.
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| Realized $24,150 |
