2082

1855-S 50C Arrows MS67 NGC.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1855-S 50C Arrows MS67 NGC.
1855-S 50C Arrows MS67 NGC. WB-101. Large Mintmark. The landmark James B. Pryor specimen that was sold eight years ago as part of the James Bennett Pryor Collection of Half Dollars, at the time residing in a PCGS MS66 holder. The narrative of this incredible Gem 1855-S reads in part: "The 1855-S is a rarity in any and all grades, and even one worn smooth would be worthy of special mention in a catalogue. In grades such as VF and EF it is a notable rarity, and in Mint State it is a formidable rarity. MS-66? Hitherto unheard of! It is probably correct to state that whether you ever have a gem 1855-S in your collection will be determined by your success or lack thereof with the present coin. It is further probably correct to say that the morning after the sale no amount of money would secure a duplicate unless the winner of this lot wishes to sell. Not only is this one of the most important coins from the James Bennett Pryor Collection sale, it is also one of the greatest and most desirable rarities to be sold in our generation. The no drapery feature (from die polishing) is interesting, but its significance in the marketplace is far eclipsed by the importance of this as a date and mintmark in a grade virtually unknown. A bit of mint history: Although the San Francisco Mint began operations in 1854 using the former facilities of Curtis, Perry, & Ward (who struck Moffat and other private gold coins), half dollars were not made there until a year later, 1855. This heralded a run of Liberty Seated half dollars that extended for many years. Today, all of those dated in the 1850s are very rare if in Mint State, and the 1855-S is exceedingly rare. In contrast to usual practice, a special striking of the 1855-S was sent to Philadelphia and incorporated in the Mint Cabinet. Two additional Proofs are reported in private hands." An article by Heritage's Mark Emory entitled "Mark Emory's Special Coin" mentions this exact 1855-S Half Dollar as being one of the two favorite silver coins he had ever owned, and that is quite an endorsement. Population: 1 in 67, 0 finer (11/03). Ex: Lester Merkin to William Mitkoff, then purchased 05/73 by James B. Pryor; James B. Pryor Collection (Bowers and Merena, 01/1996), lot 151 where it realized $72,600. Important notice: Heritage usually auctions material at the rate of 200-250 lots per hour. On some occasions eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. We recommend placing a realistic absentee bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also reopen a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because we missed an audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that Heritage may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above or any other reasonable circumstances. Also please note that all Heritage lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid.