Lot 2828
1866 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. With motto. PCGS graded Proof 67 Cameo. This is an exquisite first-year specimen that makes even the most seasoned numismatist take notice, a one-of-a-kind beauty. Lovely electric blue and lavender toning. Only 725 Proofs minted. The fully brought up devices, reflective fields, and knife-like rims all confirm this coin's status as a superb Proof. The 67 grade is also accurate in that both sides are free of even the most trivial blemish or distraction. That having been said, the eye appeal benefits further from the presence of the most remarkable iridescent patina that appears to radiate a hypnotizing alien force from its mirror perfection. Lastly, the devices display cameo contrast against this although surely lost on first glance because of the color’s vibrancy. This is the only PR67 example known to PCGS, and it is hard to imagine one surpassing it. One of the finest Proof representatives of a date that is scarce to rare at all levels of Mint State preservation. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS. The Finest graded (PCGS # 86424) .
One of the sections of the law authorizing the switch to bronze in the Indian cent in 1864 permitted the Treasury to order the addition of the motto "In God We Trust" to any coin it thought proper. The beginning of the war had prompted a great rise in religious feelings; an earlier suggestion in 1861 of adding the motto had found a receptive home in the Lincoln administration, especially with Secretary Chase. Several pattern silver and gold coins had been struck during the war to illustrate the concept. The half dollar denomination received the new motto only in 1866 and it appears thereon on every issue to the present.
Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000.
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| Realized $26,450 |
