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1835 H10C PR64 S NGC. V-9, LM-6, Possibly Unique as a 1835[H10C] PR64 [S NGC.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1835 H10C PR64 S NGC. V-9, LM-6, Possibly Unique as a 1835[H10C] PR64 [S NGC.
<B>1835<H10C> PR64 <S NGC.</B></I> V-9, LM-6, Possibly Unique as a Proof. While this is the only proof certified to date for the 1835 half dime, we seriously doubt that this is the only proof known. The Breen <I>Proof Encyclopedia</B></I> (1977) lists proofs struck from the V-2, V-3, V-10, V-5, V-1, and V-7 die combinations. Curiously, no citation is given for the V-9 and yet this is the only piece certified. How we interpret this is that the striking of proof coinage in the 1830s was far from formalized. It was often a matter of doing a favor for a visitor to the Mint, and the dies that were currently in use at the time a request was made were pulled and polished and (usually) double struck. Such an scenario would explain the wide variety of proofs seen by Walter Breen as well as the current coin. This particular piece is struck from an early-intermediate state of this die marriage. It was struck prior to the obverse dies being lapped, which effaced the die crack over stars 9-11, as this crack is still seen on this coin. However, it was struck early enough that the dentils are still quite strong over the cap, there is no die crack outside stars 9-12, no die crack is seen from the rim through S2 to the base of E2, and there is no crack above A3. Die clashing is also seen from the eagle's wing in front of the figure of Liberty. This latter attribute would seem to indicate that in the proofing process less attention was given to the obverse than to the reverse. Also, the reverse fields have deeper reflectivity than the obverse fields. Sharply, but not completely struck up over the highpoints, this may be an indication that this piece was a singly-struck proof. Exceptionally attractive overall, the center of the obverse has light golden toning that turns crimson-golden and then cobalt-blue around the periphery. The reverse, on the other hand, has an off-center circle of brilliance on the upper portion of that side with golden-brown and deep blue patina on the lower half.