Lot 1199
1845 Liberty Seated Dollar. NGC graded Proof 64. Light silvery gray in color with gorgeous blue and gold toning around the periphery. Of course the devices are all boldly struck, including the stars and fine details on Liberty. Similar on the reverse, which has smoky gold around the rims, and hazy gray at the centers. Identifiable by a couple of minor spots, one located in the right obverse field near Liberty's knee, and another on the rim below the 1 in the date. Examination with a loupe will note a minor disturbance in the delicate mirror field on the left side of the obverse, near the first couple of stars, and decidedly few signs of handling elsewhere. Liberty is well frosted by the dies, and shows up with excellent contrast for an early proof issue.
As to the rarity, is it estimated that 15 survive of this extremely rare early proof, of those NGC has graded 8 coins, three of which as PF-64, the other 5 are graded higher. PCGS reports they have graded 6 coins, the best of which is PR-64, and the rest in lower grades, including two mishandled specimens. The date is clearly repunched on this coin, with the 84 showing below the final punching as seen on most of the known survivors in proof.
Over the decades these early proof issues (struck prior to 1858) are seldom seen. Collectors search for decades to locate an example of a particular date, and it is highly unusual to find one in very choice condition as offered here. What few are found are usually offered when famous name collections are sold, and many years can pass before certain dates are seen. This is a rare opportunity to purchase a coin worthy of a kings collection, in choice proof condition.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000.
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| Realized $23,000 |
