Lot 139
1855 Silver Three Cents. NGC graded Proof 65. While long trumpeted as a great rarity, more recent studies seem to show around 20 known of this date, of perhaps 50 struck. Proof issues were irregular and not always recorded as such in the pre-1858 days at the Philadelphia Mint. Hence, we can only estimate given the number that have been recorded at auction, and now with the acceptance of third party grading and the population reports. On this particular example, we see well mirrored fields and fully struck devices, with the typical characteristics of an early proof. The stars are sharper than usual, and the devices nicely frosted by the preparation of the dies. One lint mark is noted through the E of UNITED. This particular coin is brilliant, without a touch of toning, just a bit of haze to note the passage of nearly a century and a half. The NGC Population Report shows 4 graded this high, with 6 graded higher, and at PCGS theirs shows 3 graded this high with 2 higher. Always popular with collectors and in strong demand by people forming date sets and type buyers, as few Type II coins are available in gem proof grades.
Estimated Value $9,000 - 11,000.
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| Realized $10,350 |
