Lot 1156
1866. With Motto. PCGS graded Proof 65 PQ. CAC Approved. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Only 725 struck. Lovely rainbow toning on both sides. One of the sections of the new 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 Civil 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 Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase. Several Pattern silver and gold coins had been struck during the war to illustrate the concept. In 1866, the Mint included the new motto for the first time on silver and gold business issues and the Proofs, such as this radiant Proof 65 1866 With Motto Seated Half Dollar. Pop 11; 5 finer in 66 (PCGS # 6424) .
Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500.
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| Realized $6,463 |
