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

2398

1855/54 50C PR65 Cameo NGC

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:14,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1855/54 50C PR65 Cameo NGC
<B>1855/54 50C PR65 Cameo NGC.</B></I> The 1855/54 proof half dollar from the Phil Kaufman Collection is the <I>only</B></I> example of this issue assigned the Cameo designation by either NGC or PCGS. The rarity of this overdate cannot be overstated. Walter Breen (1989) could only account for three specimens, and Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert (1993) say at least three examples are extant. It is our belief that a few more pieces have survived, but not many more! NGC and PCGS have certified 11 1855/54 proof halves, some undoubtedly resubmissions.<BR> As we mentioned in the prelude to the 1855 Normal Date proof half dollar roster, some Normal Date coins were likely described as overdates, and vice versa, in previous catalog appearances. That said, our research results in the following listing:<BR><B><BR> 1. PR65 Cameo NGC. The Kaufman specimen.</B></I> We are unable to definitively match this piece with any of the following.<BR><B> 2. PR65 PCGS. </B></I>Norweb Collection (Bowers and Merena, 11/19880, lot 3166; Baltimore '93 Auction (Superior, 7/1993), lot 428. Superior catalogers say "Minor spot or roughness between NI of UNITED."<BR><B> 3. PR64 PCGS. </B></I>Rarities Sale (Bowers and Merena, 8/1996), lot 137; Dr. Juan XII Suros Collection of U.S. Overdate Coinage (Superior, 2/1999), lot 200; October 2000 Pre-Long Beach (Superior, 10/2000), lot 4378; Long Beach Sale (Heritage, 9/2002), lot 6855.<BR><B> 4. PR63 PCGS.</B></I> Chicago Sale (Superior, 8/1991), lot 516.<BR><B> 5. PR63 NGC.</B></I> Jules Reiver Collection (Heritage, 1/2006), lot 21324. The reverse photo shows a mark between the beak and left facing wing.<BR><B> 6. PR61 PCGS.</B></I> Richard Allen Collection (Heritage, 2/2001), lot 7822. Is this the "impaired" example that Breen (1989) says was once owned by Ted Clarke?<BR><BR> Additional Appearances<BR> A. PR65 NGC. The Benson Collection III (Goldberg Coins, 2/2003), lot 548; New York Connoisseur's Collection (American Numismatic Rarities, 3/2006), lot 771.<BR><BR> Delightful field-device cameo contrast appears on both sides of this Kaufman Gem proof. Untoned surfaces benefit from a well executed strike, resulting in completeness on the frosted design elements, further highlighting their variance with the mirrored fields. A faint unpolished area is visible in the right obverse field to the right of Liberty's elbow, as minted. Remnants of the underdate are evident under the final two digits. A pleasing coin that will be an excellent fit in a Seated Liberty proof collection.<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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