Lot 829
1873. Arrows. NGC graded Proof 66+ * Cameo. A magnificent gem with superb eye appeal as noted by NGC. Lovely blue obverse deepening to iridescence at the borders while the reverse exhibits shades of delicate gold. A fabulous looking coin!
When the adjusted weight coins were introduced beginning in 1873, the tolerance was wide enough that the previous blanks could still be used. The half dollars coined from 1853 through 1873 had a standard weight of 12.44 grams while the new half dollars beginning in 1873 had a higher weight standard set at 12.50 grams. The tolerance was plus or minus 0.2 grams, which meant that any planchet that weighed between 12.30 and 12.70 grams was legal. Walter Breen, the noted numismatic scholar, was of the opinion that the mint did not make any actual adjustments to the previous standard in use. The most likely scenario is that they began producing blank planchets at the new weight standard, but went ahead and coined all of the previous blanks that had been prepared and were awaiting coinage. This is a frosted cameo Gem with fully glittering mirror surfaces and extraordinarily forceful aesthetic appeal. Few survivors from the mintage of Proof coins this year come within hailing distance of this, and no finer examples have ever been certified by NGC. Pop 2; none finer.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000.
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| Realized $28,750 |
