Lot 1105
1899 Barber Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 68. Intense blue and golden colors, the sky blue iridescence impressive in the extreme. Only 846 Proofs issued. This is an extraordinary coin by any measure, whether a person considers it from the standpoint of technical merit, or when judged according to the subjective values of purely visual aesthetics. Need we remind bidders that a weak impression could never be left after the rebound of the dies that usually struck this date, since the mint would not have released it to a buyer; in the present case, the strike depth, the amount of detail this coin shows, is outstanding and crystal clear. A truly bold strike. Not even the tiniest mark or planchet imperfections seems evident. The surfaces are nicely balanced with the aforementioned shades. Whatever your opinion about the merits of the Barber design of 1892-1915, everyone is bound to see this as an exquisite Proof specimen in every respect, and certainly among the finest known. Pop 3; 1 finer in 69.
Estimated Value $11,000 - 13,000.
|
| |
| Realized $16,675 |
