LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 April Rosemont, IL (CSNS) US Coin #1104  / 

2388

1849 H10C PR66 Cameo NGC

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:18,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1849 H10C PR66 Cameo NGC
<B>1849 H10C PR66 Cameo NGC.</B></I> Ex: P. Kaufman. This amazing 1849 half dime out of the Phil Kaufman Collection is not only the finest known in terms of its numeric grade, but is also the <I>only</B></I> example designated as a Cameo by either NGC or PCGS. Moreover, the coin pedigrees to the famous Eliasberg Collection, although this is unnoted on the NGC insert.<BR> Previous researchers, including Breen (1988) and Blythe (1992), suggest that about five 1849 half dime proofs are extant, while Akers (1997) gives an estimate of eight to ten examples. Despite the slight disparities, these figures are more or less in line with the NGC/PCGS population of six examples. In addition to the Kaufman-Eliasberg PR66 Cameo, NGC has seen two near-Gems, while PCGS has graded a PR65, a PR64, and a PR63.<BR> Our research into auction appearances of the 1849 half dime, along with that of previous catalogers, results in the following roster:<BR><B><BR> 1. PR66 Cameo NGC. The Kaufman-Eliasberg specimen.</B></I> C.S. Wilcox Collection; Chapman brothers (11/1901); J.M. Clapp; Clapp estate, 1942; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Eliasberg Estate (Bowers and Merena, 5/1996), lot 975.<BR><B> 2. Gem Proof. </B></I>John Jay Pittman (David Akers, 10/1997), lot 481.<BR><B> 3. PR64 NGC.</B></I> The Richmond Collection, Part III (David Lawrence, 3/2005), lot 1090; Central States Numismatic Society (Heritage, 4/2006), lot 1909; Stack's (11/2006), lot 26.<BR><B> 4. PR63 PCGS.</B></I> Superior (1/2004), lot 180.<BR><B> 5. Brilliant Proof, close to choice.</B></I> Stack's (3/1991), lot 1506. Identified by a small carbon spot in the upper right obverse field, midway between stars 9 and 10 and Liberty's arm.<BR><BR>Additional Appearances<BR> A. Superb Gem Proof. Samuel W. Wolfson Collection, Part II (Stack's, 5/1963), lot 460.<BR> B. Brilliant Proof. John Work Garrett Collection, Johns Hopkins University (Stack's, 3/1976), lot 107.<BR> C. Brilliant Proof. Floyd T. Starr Collection (Stack's, 10/1992), lot 330. Catalogers pedigree to "Barney Bluestone's April 19, 1947 sale, lot 1704."<BR><BR> Splashes of aqua-blue, russet, and lavender visit the fields of this breathtaking proof half dime, while the motifs take on champagne-gold color accented with wisps of russet. Profound field-device contrast confirms the Cameo designation, and an attentive strike emboldens the design elements. The reverse is rotated slightly less than 180 degrees, as appears to be characteristic of most 1849 proof half dime survivors. A minute diagnostic die lump is visible between stars 10 and 11, and a couple of squiggly lint marks occur on the reverse. Close examination reveals no mentionable post-strike impairments on the well cared-for surfaces.<BR><I>From The Phil Kaufman Collection of Early Seated Proof Sets, Part Three.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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