Lot 1578
1880 $5 Liberty. NGC graded Proof 67 Cameo. A fully struck, superb gem cameo Proof. The obverse is virtually flawless. The reverse has a minute lint mark in the field above the wreath and several tiny pits that are under the finish and as made. This example is pristine, with great eye appeal. One of two in this grade, exceedingly rare and by far the Finest Known.
Unlike the often-seen business strike half eagles from 1880, Proofs are the extremely rarity. Only 36 Proofs were struck. It has been estimated that possibly ten examples are known today. David Akers, a noted authority on the series, described the Proof 1880 as, "…very rare, more so than any of the dates that follow. They have also appeared at auction less often than any date after 1859 except for the extremely rare and underrated 1861, 1870, 1871, and 1874." Today those words still ring true.
In keeping with the incredible Proof 67 grade, the fields are deeply mirrored, deep with reflection, and exhibit the well-known "orange peel" effect seen on Proofs from this era. The devices are deeply frosted. As such, they exhibit a noticeable cameo effect on each side. The coin has not been mistreated in any way in its 130-year existence. Its superb grade makes this a rare opportunity to acquire this seldom-offered Proof five. Pop 2; none finer at NGC (PCGS # 88475) .
[Orange-peel surface. After the dies are hubbed and the date applied, the dies intended for Proof gold are given multiple polishes with progressively finer and finer polish. The last polish given to the dies prior to their being hardened gives the field a surface quite like a mirror. This is the deepest mirror attainable on the dies. When the die is hardened, the metal shrinks slightly creating a wavy effect on the polished surfaces. It looks somewhat like the surface of an orange. When you see orange peel on a Proof issue you can be sure that it is one of the first examples struck from those dies. Later polishing to the already hardened dies will produce a flatter and shallower mirror.].
Estimated Value $65,000 - 70,000.
|
| |
| Unsold |
