Lot 1836
1873 Closed 3 NGC graded Proof Details. Brushed. Only 25 minted. Quite scarce. Well struck with light golden toning. A very elusive Proof example of the 1873 half eagle, one of just 25 coined. Although cleaned and buffed, this is still an impressively sharp, well made Half Eagle. Until the 1880s, most Proofs were struck on an old screw press at the mint. This imparted a strong "squeeze" to the coin from the sharp dies, impressing even the finest design elements into the planchet. A prized rarity, the Proofs are of the Close 3 variety. Nine to 12 examples can be traced today.
The Breen encyclopedia notes that the Proof 1873 Half Eagle differs from the Three Dollar and smaller denominations in that restrikes at a later date are not believed to have been struck (he emphasizes with "no hint" of them). If true, the mintage of 25 pieces stands and attrition has reduced the number to an appreciably smaller pool of survivors.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500.
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| Realized $4,465 |
