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

2317

1856 50C PR65 NGC

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:18,500.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1856 50C PR65 NGC
<B>1856 50C PR65 NGC.</B></I> The 1856 silver coinage was the first to remove the obverse arrows that indicated the weight reduction enacted in 1853 and carried through 1855. While the Philadelphia Mint made a modest business strike emission of 1856 half dollars and an undoubtedly minuscule proof production, the numbers of proof coins actually struck and/or distributed are lost to history. Only in 1859 did the Mint begin to publicly advertise and record proof mintages. Wiley and Bugert estimate that fewer than 25 pieces are known today, an estimate that Breen does not attempt in his <I>Proof Encyclopedia,</B></I> merely calling the proof 1856 Seated half "possibly the rarest denomination of the year."<BR> The rarity of the date is borne out by the population figures, a combined 35 pieces at both services less the inevitable duplications. This piece is one of three PR65 coins at NGC, with two PR66 non-Cameos and two PR67 Cameos finer (3/08).<BR> This is an obvious proof striking with extraordinarily deep fields on each side. There is also a slight contrast evident on the devices which give the coin a modest cameo effect. Intricately struck on each side. The centers are generally brilliant with a ring of russet-brown around the margins. Close examination shows a few tiny contact marks in the fields, most of which are on the obverse.<BR><BR><B>Coin Engraver:</B> Christian Gobrecht<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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